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NATIONAL STUDIES OF EXISTING SEED SYSTEMS IN CAMEROON

AND THEIR POTENTIAL FOR IMPROVEMENT

HORTENSE MAFOUASSON

National Consultant

November 2020

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TABLE OF CONTENT

ABBREVIATIONS and ACRONYMS ........................................................................................................ 5

FIGURES and TABLES ............................................................................................................................... 8

LIST OF APPENDICES ............................................................................................................................... 9

I. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND ........................................................................................ 10

I.1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 10

I.2. The study area backgroung ............................................................................................................... 11

I.3. Government initiative for the development of agriculture ............................................................... 12

I.4. Scope for the development of agriculture ......................................................................................... 16

II. CROP PRODUCTION SYSTEMS ................................................................................................ 17

II.1. Major staple food crop production, crop yields, and trends ............................................................ 17

II.2. Description of the country’s main agro-ecologies and their cropping systems ............................... 17

II.2.1. Description of the country’s climate ........................................................................................ 17

II.2.2. Agro-ecological zones of Cameroon ........................................................................................ 18

II.2.3. Cameroon’s agriculture: farming system and crop diversity .................................................... 20

II.3. Current status of agricultural extension activities ........................................................................... 21

II.3.1. Level of capacity of public extension system ........................................................................... 21

II.3.2. Level of activity by non-governmental and private sector entities in agricultural extension ... 23

II.4. Level of adoption of improved crop varieties, by crop ................................................................... 27

II.5. Level of utilization of fertilizer and manures .................................................................................. 27

II.6. General observations on the system for marketing surplus production of staple crops .................. 28

II.7. Recent trends in development of markets for staple food crops...................................................... 28

III. STATUS OF SEED SUPPLY IN CAMEROON............................................................................ 29

III.1. History of seed supply in Cameroon .............................................................................................. 29

III.2. Recent and ongoing activity in the improvement of crop varieties................................................ 32

III.3 Current options for smallholder farmers to access improved and certified seeds ........................... 34

III.4. Number and descriptions of private seed companies operating in the country and their annual supply

................................................................................................................................................................ 35

III.5. Other non-governmental organizations and farmers' organizations involved in seed production and

distribution. ............................................................................................................................................. 41

III.5.1. Facilities available for seed processing and packaging ........................................................... 44

III.5.2. Tonnages of maize seeds and cassava cuttings certified and marketed in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

............................................................................................................................................................ 47

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III.5.3. Number of agro-dealers currently in operation, by region ...................................................... 50

III.5.4. Importation of seed – sources and quantities for each major crop .......................................... 51

III.5.5. Overall prospects for improving seed supply through a public-private model ....................... 51

IV. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SYSTEM ............................................................. 55

IV.1. Public institutes and universities actively engaged in crop breeding............................................. 55

IV.2. Nature of recent or ongoing crop improvement activities ............................................................. 55

IV.3. Level of capacity of public breeding institutions ........................................................................... 56

IV.3.1. Human resources..................................................................................................................... 57

IV.3.2. Infrastructure ........................................................................................................................... 58

IV.4. Recent or ongoing collaborations with private sector in seed supply ............................................ 59

IV.5. Current status of crop variety licensing arrangements with the private sector .............................. 61

V. NATIONAL SEED POLICY FRAMEWORK ............................................................................... 65

V.1. Documents which control the supply of seed ................................................................................. 65

V.2. Recent or ongoing activities aimed at improving seed supply ........................................................ 66

V.3. Process for the official release of improved crop varieties ............................................................. 68

V.4. Procedures for seed certification ..................................................................................................... 68

V.5. Current status of the regulatory agencies in charge of seed certification ........................................ 70

V.6. Current status of basic (foundation) seed supply ............................................................................ 72

V.7. Procedures for production and supply of basic seed ....................................................................... 73

VI. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS ............................................................................................. 81

VI.1. Current status of access to improved seed among smallholder farmers ........................................ 81

VI.2. Current status of government support for improving seed systems ............................................... 81

VI.3. Trends and opportunities for seed systems improvement .............................................................. 83

VI.4. Recommendations for improving seed supply and adoption ......................................................... 83

VI.5. Likely impact from the improvement of access to improved seed by smallholder farmers .......... 87

REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................... 88

APPENDICES ............................................................................................................................................ 90

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ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

ACA: African Cashew Alliance

ACEFA: Program to Improve the Competitiveness of Agropastoral Operations

ACOSEC: Cameroon Seed Trade Association

AIMDP: Agricultural Investment and Markets Development Support Project

ANAFOR: National Forestry Development Agency

ANOR: Standards and Quality Agency

APESS: Association pour la Promotion de l’Elevage au Sahel et en Savane

AVC : Agriculture Value Chain

AVRDC: World Vegetable Center

CAPEF: Chamber of Agriculture, Fishery, Livestock and Forest

CCIMA: Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Crafts

CDC : Cameroon Development Corporation

CEREPAH : Centre spécialisé de Recherche sur le Palmier à Huile

CGIAR: Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research

CIAT: International Center for Tropical Agriculture

CIP: International Potato Center

CIRAD: International Cooperation Center of Agricultural Research for Development

CODAS CARITAS: Comité Diocésain des Activité Sociales Caritatives

CONSOV : Conseil National des Semences et Obtentions Végétales

DESA: Direction of Agriculture Statistics and Investigations

DRCQ: Directorate for Regulation and Quality Control of Inputs and Agricultural Products

DSCE: Cameroon’s Growth and Employment Strategy document

DSDSR: Strategy Document for Rural Sector Development

FAO: Food and Agriculture Organization

FASA: Faculté des Sciences Agricoles

GIZ: Gesellscha für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (German Cooperation)

GMR: Grénier du Monde Rural

ICRAF: World Agroforestry Center

IITA: International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

INADES: Institut Africain pour le Développement Economique et Social

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IRAD: Institute of Agricultural Research for Development

MIDENO: North West Development Autority

MIDEVIV: Mission for the Development of Food, Vegetable and Fruit Crops

MINADER: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

MINCOMMERCE: Ministry of Trade

MINEPAT: Ministry of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development

MINEPDED: Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development

MINEPIA: Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries

MINFOF: Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife

MINPMEESA: Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and

Handcrafts

MINRESI: Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation

NGOs: Non-Governmental Organizations

PACA: Projet d’amélioration de la Compétitivité Agricole

PADFA : Projet d’Appui au Développement des Filières Agricoles

PAPA-RFCC : Programme d’Amélioration de la Compétitivité Agricole, Relance des Filières

Cacao-Café

PAP-MVQ/MINADER : Projet d’Appui à la Production du Matériel Végétal de Qualité

PEA-Jeunes: Program for the Promotion of Agropastoral Youth Entrepreneurship

PIDMA: Agricultural Investment and Market Development Project

PLANOPAC : Plateforme Nationale des Organisations Professionnelles Agro Sylvo Pastorales et

Halieutiques du Cameroun

PNDSA: National Seeds Development Plan

PNIA: Agriculture National Investment Plan

PNSV: National Plant Seed Policy

PNVRA: National Program for Agricultural Extension and Research

PRASAC : Pôle Régional de Recherche Appliquée au Développement des Systèmes Agricoles

d’Afrique Centrale

PRFP : Programme de Relance du Programme Plantain

PRFPT : Projet de Relance de la Filière Pomme de Terre

PRODEL: Projet de Développement de l’Elevage

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PRODERiP : Projet de Développement de la Riziculture Pluvial de Plateau en Zone de de Forêt

à Pluviométrie Bimodale

PSN: National Seeds Policies

RHORTICAM: Réseau des Horticulteurs du Cameroun

RPGAA : Ressources phytogénétiques pour l’alimentation et l’agriculture

SAILD: Service d’Appui aux Initiatives Locales de Développement

SAPEP: Smallholder Agricultural Productivity Enhancement Program

SDRSQV: Sub Department of Seed and Plant Quarantine Regulation

SDRSQV: Sub-directorate of Seed Regulation and Plant Quarantine

SEMRY : Société d’Expansion et de Modernisation de la Riziculture de Yagoua

SND: National Development Strategy

SODECAO : Société de développement du Cacao

SODECOTON: Cotton Development Corporation

SOWEDA: South West Development Autority

SSG: Seed Systems Group

TFP: Technical and Financial Partner

UCCAO : Union Centrale des Coopératives Agricoles de l’Ouest

UNVDA: The Upper Nun Development Authority

USAID: United States Agency for International Development

WFP: World Food Program

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FIGURES AND TABLES

Table 1: Evolution of the production of the priority crops 2014 - 2018 .............................................. 17

Table 2: Assessment of the number of field extension workers and their supervisors ........................ 26

Table 3: Evolution in importation of fertilizers (in tonnes) by products in Cameroon from 2013 to 2017

.............................................................................................................................................................. 27

Table 4: Import of phytosanitary products ........................................................................................... 28

Table 5: Seed companies identified as sources of seeds sold in Cameroon......................................... 37

Table 6: Other seed suppliers ............................................................................................................... 38

Table 7: Seeds imported in Cameroon, quantities, exporting countries and importers (2019-2020) .. 39

Table 8: Summary presentation of the actors involved in seed production in each priority sector ..... 42

Table 9: Seeds companies, their main activities and major seeds produced ........................................ 44

Table 10: Seed processing units and their location .............................................................................. 45

Table 11: Number of Seed producers and availability of certified maize seed (composite and hybrid

varieties) inspected in the first and second cycle of the 2018 and 2019 years in the southern zone. .. 47

Table 12: Number of Seed producers and availability of certified maize seed (composite and hybrid

varieties) inspected in the first and second cycle of the 2018 and 2019 years in the southern zone. .. 47

Table 13: Certified maize seeds (composite and hybrid varieties) available for the 1st agricultural

season of 2020 in the southern zone (Adamaoua, Center, East, South, Littoral, West, North-West and

South-West) ......................................................................................................................................... 48

Table 14: Certified cassava cuttings available for the 1st agricultural season of 2020 in the southern

zone (Center, East, South, Coast and West) ........................................................................................ 49

Table 15: Number of Agro-dealers by regions registered at DRCQ ................................................... 50

Table 16: Evolution of number of seeds producers from 2014 to 2017............................................... 50

Table 17: Actors and functions of the seeds sector .............................................................................. 51

Table 18: Location of IRAD research Center structures and their potential crops .............................. 57

Table 19: IRAD scientific and technical personnel ............................................................................. 58

Table 20: IRAD scientific personnel engaged in crop improvement (number per crop) ..................... 58

Table 21: Typology of seed value chain (SVC) actors and their responsibilities ................................ 60

Table 22: IRAD Crop varieties protected at OAPI .............................................................................. 62

Table 23: IRAD varieties available for seed production ...................................................................... 62

Table 24: Plant species (Crops) targeted and number of varieties in collection (registered) and used in

seed production .................................................................................................................................... 64

Table 25: Number of seed control and certification agents available at the regional and central level

.............................................................................................................................................................. 71

Table 26: Annual basic seeds produced by IRAD between 2014 and 2017 for some crops ............... 73

Figure 1: Agro ecological zones of Cameroon and research structures (Source: IRAD, 2008) .......... 19

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LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendice 1: Cooperatives in the southern zone involved in maize seeds production using basic

seeds from IRAD during the 2019 campaign ............................................................................... 90

Appendice 2: Cooperatives in the northern zone involved in maize seeds production using basic

seeds from IRAD during 2019 campaign ..................................................................................... 96

Appendice 3: Cooperatives involved in certified cassava cuttings production using basic cassava

cuttings from IRAD during the 2019 campaign in the southern zone (Central, South, East, Coastal

and West) .................................................................................................................................... 100

Appendice 4: Cooperatives involved in certified sorghum seed production using basic sorghum

seed from IRAD during the 2019 campaign in the northern zone ............................................. 103

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I. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

I.1. Introduction

Population growth, persistently high levels of malnutrition, low agricultural productivity, and

stagnating rural economies are major concerns facing the African continent, and have been the

focus of significant investment by donor agencies and African governments alike for decades.

Among the interventions targeting the lives and livelihoods of poor, smallholder farmers directly,

few have shown as much promise as the adoption of seed of higher-yielding, locally-adapted crop

varieties.

Unfortunately, Africa has suffered decades of failed attempts at seed supply which focused on

government-operated supply systems, community-based seed supply, or interventions by multi-

national seed companies, none of which proved capable of operating sustainably or at a scale

sufficient to reach a majority of farmers. Recently, however, a model has emerged which focuses

on building the capabilities of local, private seed entrepreneurs, private, village-based input

vendors, and national public crop breeders to work in a complementary fashion within a seed value

chain which delivers certified seed of new crop varieties bred by international and national

breeding institutes to local, smallholder farmers. The establishment of these public-private seed

supply systems has increased seed supply and contributed to increased average crop yields of

major food crops in a number of countries across the continent.

However, many African countries with significant agricultural potential have so far been left

behind in the shift to public-private seed systems, and, as a result, have shown little or no progress

toward improving food security or rural economic growth. Fifteen such countries have been

identified with a total population of approximately 320 million people, which are home to an

estimated 38 million farmers. In order to bring the benefits of improved seed to these farmers, as

well, the Seed Systems Group (SSG) proposes to undertake feasibility studies for seed systems

development in these countries and to intervene in least 10 of them with the highest probably of

success over a period of 10 years.

This study provides a synthesis of data, information, and ideas gathered in relation to crop

breeding, seed supply, agricultural extension and related farmer awareness building activities, and

rural input supply networks in Cameroon as well as proposed intervention for the improvement of

the seed sector in the country.

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I.2. The study area background

Cameroon is located in West Central Africa. The population of Cameroon is approximately 25

million. The capital city is Yaounde. Both French and English are considered official languages.

Cameroon is referred to as “Africa in miniature” due to its diverse geographical and cultural

features. Its topography comprises mountains, deserts, forests, savannas, rivers, and beaches. The

country’s south-western region has a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. The climate of Cameroon is

humid, tropical in the coastal area and semi-arid to in the north. There are periods of intensive

rainfall and high temperatures in the plains while the highlands are cooler.

Cameroon is administratively divided into 10 regions. The regions are sub-divided into 58

divisions, which are further divided into sub-divisions, and each sub-division has a number of

districts. Although Cameroon is the fifth-biggest oil producer country in sub-Saharan Africa, the

agriculture sector remains most important for its economy, as it accounts for about half of total

exports. During the colonial period, commercial crops like cacao, coffee, banana and rubber were

grown on large plantations. Cameroon experienced a type of Green Revolution in 1972 when

mono-cropping and the use of heavily-subsidized fertilizers and pesticides, backed by convenient

credit, were encouraged by the government’s policy. However, the focus of this activity remained

confined to the production of export crops. Later, in 1986, as the prices of crops like cacao and

coffee fell drastically in the international market, poverty and food insecurity struck Cameroon

leading to serious crisis and forcing the government to change its policy.

Currently, agriculture in Cameroon is re-emerging as a promising industry, and young people are

returning to the land, thanks to the government’s effort and some donor-funded projects. Presently,

the important food crops are plantains, cassava, maize, sorghum and millet. While the main

cash crops cultivated include cocoa, coffee, cotton, bananas, rubber, palm oil and kernels, and

peanuts. Currently, Cameroon is the sixth-largest cocoa producer in the world. Agricultural

practices of most smallholder farmers, however, remain mostly traditional in nature.1

1 https://www.g-fras.org/en/world-wide-extension-study/africa/central-africa/cameroon.html 11-

10-2020

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I.3. Government initiative for the development of agriculture

In recent years the Government of Cameroon has undertaken many initiatives to improve its

agriculture sector. These include the development of strategy documents and policy instruments

which serve as reference frameworks for the interventions of actors in the agricultural sector during

specific periods.

Cameroon’s Growth and Employment Strategy document (DSCE 2010 - 2020)

For the period 2010-2020, the "Vision 2035" has served as a growth and employment strategy

document (DSCE) which aims to make Cameroon an emerging country, democratic and united in

its diversity. This vision is translated in the agricultural sector by a revolution consisting in moving

from extensive agriculture to intensive, modern and mechanized agriculture, which should lead to

an increase in the productivity of agricultural activities and make Cameroon the breadbasket of

central Africa.

The interventions in the growth and employment strategy document to meet the needs of the

agricultural sector are as follows:

o to make accessible and available the production factors, particularly land, water and

agricultural inputs;

o to promote access to technological innovations, in particular by strengthening the

research/extension linkage;

o to develop the competitiveness of production chains.

The Rural Sector Development Strategy Document (DSDSR)

The expected results of the DSCE have been spelled out in the Rural Sector Development Strategy

Documents (SDSR), and are reflected in the contribution of the rural sector to:

o Ensure security and self-sufficiency in domestic consumption;

o Supply the processing industry and create a market and internal consumption for the

extraverted sectors;

o Develop exports with a view to improving the balance of trade.

National Agriculture Investment Plan (PNIA 2014 – 2020)

PNIA is the national planning framework for national and external funds for the development of

the rural sector. It takes into account the needs, achievements, investment gaps, and the functioning

of the sector over a seven-year horizon. It brings together all current programs and projects and

must generate new interventions.

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Its general objective is to make the rural sector an important engine of the national economy which

creates decent jobs and wealth to meet internal and external demand, while ensuring the food and

nutritional security of the populations in a context of sustainable development. More specifically,

it aims to:

o Make the products of the Cameroonian rural sector more competitive and enable them

to gain additional shares in sub-regional and international markets while allowing

satisfactory coverage of food and nutritional needs;

o Make the fundamental factors of production more efficient by optimizing the use of

land and water resources, improving the living environment of rural producers and their

connection to markets, improving access to materials, equipment and adapted

financing;

o Optimize the sustainable use of natural resources for the balanced promotion of all

sectors, taking into account the constraints of environmental preservation and

adaptation to climate change; and

o Create favorable conditions for the development of the sector by improving governance

by involving all the stakeholders concerned, in order to effectively and efficiently

ensure planning, programming, budgeting, mobilization of financing, implementation

and monitoring -evaluation of the development of the rural sector.

In the modernization process envisaged in this strategy for the agriculture sector in Cameroon,

improved seed is recognized as the factor of production that determines the upper limit of crop

yield. It was therefore agreed that special emphasis should be placed on making quality seeds

available to the country's farmers in sufficient quantity, in a timely manner and at reasonable

prices.

The government option underlying this policy is to promote the emergence of an economically

viable private seed sector that can sustainably meet farmers' demand for quality seeds. This logic

is consistent with the strategies and policies that the government is pursuing to make the

agricultural sector the spearhead of its socio-economic development.

The Support Program for the Renovation and Development of Vocational Training

in the Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Sectors (AFOP)

The purpose of this program is to contribute to youth employment and the inclusive and sustainable

growth of rural areas in Cameroon.

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Specifically, the program aims to perpetuate the renovated system of training and professional

integration in the agriculture, livestock and fishing sectors.

o The first phase of the program (2008-2012) succeeded in stimulating a promising

dynamic in the rural environment by closely linking vocational training and economic

projects of the beneficiaries of the device.

o The second phase of the program (2013-2016) was to continue this modality in all the

renovated centers and schools and to complete this phase of project development with

additional phases with a view to the harmonious implementation of the project.

o The third phase of the program (2017 - 2021) focuses on consolidating knowledge

and empowering training centers

Program to Improve the Competitiveness of Agropastoral Operations (ACEFA)

ACEFA is one of the three programs financed under the debt reduction contract (C2D) in the field

of agriculture and food security in Cameroon

o Phase 1: Pilot phase that took place between 2008 – 2012

o Phase 2: Extension phase that runs from 2013 - mid 2017

o Phase 3: Consolidation, The Consolidation and Sustainability Program Consolidation

and sustainability (mid 2017 to 2022).

The phase 3 operates as a continuation of the ACEFA Program. It pursues three objectives:

i) Improve the income of family farms by consolidating and improving the public agro-

pastoral advisory system

ii) Modernize the production apparatus (equipment, buildings, infrastructure) by financing

the investment projects of producer organizations

iii) Institutionalize the agro-pastoral advisory system by creating an agency co-managed

by Professionals and the State and strengthen the representation capacity of producers

so that they actively participate in consultation, steering and management of

development actions and agricultural policy development.

PEA-Jeunes

It is in this context that the Cameroonian Government requested support from the International

Fund for Agricultural Development for the design and implementation of the Program for the

Promotion of Agropastoral Youth Entrepreneurship (PEA-Jeunes).

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The PEA-Jeunes aims to support the development of profitable businesses managed by young men

and women, in promising agro-pastoral sectors, to contribute to the development of efficient

agriculture, fight against rural poverty and improve food security.

Specifically the aims are to:

o Provide adequate financial and non-financial support for the creation and management

of successful agro-pastoral enterprises by young people;

o Promote the development of a political, organizational and institutional framework

favorable to the creation and development of agropastoral youth enterprises;

National Agricultural Seed Development Plan (PNDSA 2020 – 2025)

The PNDSA is a document in line with the PNSV guidelines. By identifying the priority sectors

and the actors involved as well as estimating the necessary resources and programming their

mobilization the PNDSA sees itself as the PNSV's primary operational tool.

The PNDSA sets itself the following objectives: (i) establish the list of priority sectors on the basis

of objective criteria, (ii) identify the actions necessary to remove the various constraints to the

development of the seed sectors selected as priorities, iii) define the role various actors in the

production of priority seeds and coordination of actions to be carried out, (iv) estimate the

resources necessary for the implementation of the Plan and plan their mobilization.

The quantities and qualities of the plant material resulting from the implementation of this Plan

are then transmitted to the competent institutions in the field of Extension and Agricultural

Advisory which then take over for the achievement of the strategic objectives of the Government

on the horizon. 2030. This document was presented to the actors of the actors of the seed value

chain for validation on September 1rst 2020 and finally to CONSOV on September 24th 2020.

The Rural Sector Development Strategy (SDSR) /National Agriculture Investment

Plan (PNIA) (2020 - 2030)

In 2019, as part of the formulation of the second phase of the national development vision for

2035, the Government of Cameroon committed to review and / or update existing sector strategies.

The Rural Sector Development Strategy document coupled to the National Agriculture Investment

Plan 2020-2030 was therefore validated recently on October 10, 2020. According to this strategy,

four levers need to be accelerated:

- Development of crop sectors

- Development of infrastructures through the opening up of agricultural basins

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- Improving the business environment in agriculture to attract the private sector

- Promotion of food security through the organisation of small producers and farmers’

associations.

National Development Strategy (SND 2020 – 2030)

The DSCE having expired, the SND30 constitutes the new frame of reference which succeeds for

the period 2020-2030. This periodicity was chosen to better articulate the strategy with the global

goals agenda of Sustainable Development (SDG), but also to stabilize planning horizons and

integrate the delays recorded in the implementation work of the DSCE.

I.4. Scope for the development of agriculture

Agriculture is a key sector of the Cameroonian economy. It ensures its self-sufficiency in food as

well as foreign currency at the same time. In this sense, it contributes 22.9% to the GDP and

employs more than 62% of the working population. 2

Cameroon is “Africa in miniature”, with fertile land suitable for all types of crops. The climatic

nuances (equatorial climate - humid tropical - dry tropical), as well as the soil, generate a rich

agricultural potential of diversity. Moreover, the range of cultivated products extends from food

crops (such as millet, sorghum and manioc) to export crops (bananas, cocoa, pineapple, cotton,

etc.). At the same time, a few non-traditional crops have made their appearance in recent decades,

such as potatoes and onions. Some sectors are indeed in full expansion, participating fully in the

country's growth. This is the case of the plantain and dessert banana exported on the international

market and contributing 1.5% of the GDP. However, Cameroon's rich agricultural potential is still

under-exploited. With a surface area of 475 442 km2, the country has 7.2 million hectares of arable

land, of which only 25% has been exploited so far. 75% remains unexploited and is already

attracting the interest of many foreign investors. The irrigable land potential is estimated at

240 000 hectares, but only 33 000 hectares are currently irrigated.3

An assessment of the agricultural sector shows that Cameroon has great agricultural potential

whose productivity remains below the real possibilities.

2 https:www.mediaterre.org/actu,201909271419266.html 3 MINADER

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II. CROP PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

II.1. Major staple food crop production, crop yields, and trends

The government has selected and classified certain crops as priorities, according to their economic

importance. The following table shows the evolution in production of these crops.

Table 1: Evolution of the production of the priority crops 2014 - 2018

CROP/YEAR Annual Production (t)

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Cacao 281 196 287 315 330 412 331 149 335 850

Arabica coffee 8 020 6 504 7 024 7 106 7 418

robusta coffee 37 115 27 094 29 762 27 188 27 797

Palm oil tree 211 138 227 755 277 732 386 997 398 038

cashew NA NA NA NA 108

Cotton 295 144 248 115 240 093 254 121 320 063

Maize 2 062 952 2 070 572 2 101 631 2 187 570 2 199 127

Millet/sorghum 1 735 040 1 040 902 1 144 992 1 138 243 1 232 490

Rice 201 090 278 281 311 674 339 076 313 678

Cassava 4 600 706 5 224 734 5 285 031 5 290 061 5 317 834

Plantain 3 834 180 4 077 344 4 280 305 4 394 220 4 503 078

Potato 224 562 346 332 384 429 399 621 408 525

Pineapple 183 148 212 257 227 566 244 963 251 831

Source: MINADER/DESA INS, MINEPAT (SND), PNDSA

II.2. Description of the country’s main agro-ecologies and their cropping systems

II.2.1. Description of the country’s climate

Cameroon is located between latitudes 2°N and 13°N. It has a wide range of climatic types from

the wet southern regions near the equator to the dry northern ones around the Lake Chad basin.

There are two main climatic types, the equatorial and the tropical, which are divided into the

following sub-types.

o Guinea equatorial: Covering nearly one-third of Cameroon, this climatic type is found in

the southern part of the country, much of which belongs to the southern plateau. Part of it

extends to the southern limit of the Adamawa Region. This climatic type has rainfall all

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year round and is noted for its double maxima (annual rainfall 1500 to 2000mm; average

annual temperatures about 25°C; high relative humidity).

o Equatorial monsoon: This climatic type extends from the coast around Kribi and covers

part of the western high plateau. The annual rainfall ranges from 2000 to 10,000mm, being

especially high where Cameroon’s volcanic massif comes close to the coast. Debundscha

with nearly 10,000mm per year is the second rainiest place on the earth after Chirapunji in

India. The amount of rainfall decreases from the coastal areas towards the interior

highlands (Limbe 4000mm, Dschang 3000mm and Bamenda 2000mm). The average

annual temperature for this high altitude climatic type is about 21°C, with a mean range of

22°C.

o Tropical humid: As rainfall decreases northwards the lowland and highland equatorial

climate gives way to the tropical humid type (Sudan climate). This extends from the

southern regions to the 900mm isohyet in the northern regions. Rainfall is spread over

about four or five months only, while the other months are dry. The vegetation types reflect

the rainfall distribution.

o Sudano-Sahelian: This is the northernmost climatic type, extending from Maroua to the

Lake Chad basin. It is characterized by a short rainy season and a marked dry season

(rainfall from 900mm around Maroua to 500mm around Kousseri, and 400mm around the

shores of Lake Chad; mean annual temperatures 28°C).

II.2.2. Agro-ecological zones of Cameroon

Based on the climatic conditions, the vegetation, soils and altitude, Cameroon has been divided

into five agro-ecological zones (IRAD Cameroon, 2008). The agro-ecological zones and principal

crop and livestock activities are as follows (Figure 1):

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Figure 1: Agro ecological zones of Cameroon and research structures (Source: IRAD, 2008)

o Sudano-Sahelian Zone: This zone is characterized by monomodal rainfall from above

1,000 mm south of Garoua to less than 800 mm north of Garoua (less than 500 mm around

Lake Chad). The vegetation growth period here is 180 to 110 days and crops grown are

millet, sorghum, irrigated rice, peanuts, sesame, and cotton while livestock includes cattle,

sheep, and goats.

o High Guinean Savanna Zone: Characterized by monomodal rainfall of 1,600 mm

(Ngaoundere) with a rapid decrease towards the north. Its vegetation growth period is 240

to 180 days and crops grown include sorghum, maize, peanuts, and robusta coffee in the

south in low topographic locations. Livestock in this zone is mainly cattle.

o Western High Plateaus Zone: The monomodal rainfall here is 2,000 to less than 4,000

mm with vegetation growth period of 280 days. Crops grown are maize, rice, plantains,

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bananas, cassava, taro, cocoyams, potatoes, vegetables, arabica coffee. Livestock includes

cattle, pigs, poultry, goats, and sheep.

o Humid Forest Zone with Monomodal Rainfall Regime: In this zone, rainfall is 3,000 to

less than 4,000 mm and the vegetation growth period is more than 300 days. Crops grown

include oil palm, robusta coffee, cocoa, rubber, roots and tubers while livestock is

essentially pigs and goats.

o Humid Forest Zone with Bimodal Rainfall Regime: Here, rainfall is 1,600 to 2,000 mm

(IRAD, 2008) and the vegetation growth period is 300 days. Crops grown are robusta

coffee, cocoa, oil palm, roots and tubers, and maize. Livestock includes pigs and goats

II.2.3. Cameroon’s agriculture: farming system and crop diversity

Agriculture occupies about 2.3 million hectares (15 %) of a total of more than 15 million hectares

of cultivable land. Therefore, the overall pressure on land is low. Migration from rural to urban

areas is considerable and selective by age, sex, and education. The age distribution of the farm

population from the 1984 Agricultural Census shows a distinct drop off in the relatively productive

25-44 age range, and females outnumber males among those aged 15-54 and especially in the 25-

44 age range. Thus, the burden of food production is being placed on an ever smaller portion of

the population, and this farm population is increasingly devoid of prime-aged males. However,

food security is good over most of the country, even though it is precarious in the Far North.

Furthermore, population pressure has been severe enough in some areas of high agricultural

potential, such as the West and Northwest regions, that increasingly marginal land has been

cultivated; particularly very steep slopes where soils are liable to erode rapidly.

Cameroon is dominated by inter-tropical vegetation with a humid southern forest and a central

savanna as well as mountain forests and prairies. Of the total surface area, 11 % is located in a

"dry savanna" type zone, 20% in a "humid highland savanna" zone and 58% in a "humid dense

forest" zone, the remainder being in transition zones. Of the 175,000 km2 of non-degraded closed

forest, 140,000 km2 are considered exploitable.

The crop diversity in Cameroon is very rich and contributes to the country’s food security. The

large varieties of ecosystems support a wide range of crops which include staple crops (maize,

rice, sorghum, cassava, potato, plantain, common bean, groundnuts…) fruits, vegetables, spices

and medicinal plants. Although the main food items are generalized, there is a wide range on the

21

choice food items particularly the vegetables and spice food items. In the Cameroon tradition,

every ethnic group identifies itself with a range of foods and vegetable crops.

II.3. Current status of agricultural extension activities

II.3.1. Level of capacity of public extension system

There are several institutions providing extension/advisory services in Cameroun, however, the

major ones are:

i. Public services under the supervision of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural

Development (MINADER) and Ministry of Livestock and Animal Production

(MINEPIA).

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has a number of responsibilities to develop

the agriculture sector. Some of its functions related to agricultural extension are: disseminating

information and advice to farmers; checking agricultural and cooperative education; supervising

private agricultural education in conjunction with the Ministry of Vocational Training; and

managing farmers and agricultural extension.

ii. Agricultural value chain (CVA) schemes linked to the specific crops

CVA's public interventions are located in projects financed by the public investment in support of

Technical Financial Partners (TFPs) (PNVRA, Potato Project, Project to revive the plantain sector,

etc.) and projects financed by TFPs (ACEFA, PIDMA, PACA, PRODEL, PAPA, etc.).

The National Program for Agricultural Extension and Research (PNVRA)

The National Program for Agricultural Extension and Research (PNVRA), located within the

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, was for many years the main public agency for

providing extension services to the farmers in all 10 regions of the country. Components of

PNVRA’s program were:

o Agricultural extension.

o Training and development of human resources.

o Support to producer organizations and associations.

o Partnership with the private sector.

o Agricultural research.

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o Village community participatory pilot development operations.

o Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and impact assessment of the extension

program.

All relevant ministries and certain international NGOs were involved in PNVRA, which received

funding not only from the government, but also from external research-based sources such as

CGIAR (Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research), CIP (International Potato

Center), and CIRAD (International Cooperation Center of Agricultural Research for

Development). Currently, activities of PNVRA have stopped due to lack of funding and extension

activities are now continued to a certain extend by projects such as ACEFA, Potato project,

PROSAVA, and PIDMA.

iii. Other public entities providing extension services

o Chamber of Agriculture, Fishery, Livestock and Forest (CAPEF)

The Chamber of Agriculture, Fishery, Livestock and Forest (CAPEF) replaced the 20 years old

but largely ineffective Chamber of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Forests of Cameroon in

2009. CAPEF is located within the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The

Chamber’s key role is to support the interests of producers in the sectors of agriculture, fishery,

livestock and forests, develop partnerships with investors and facilitate the training of farmers.

o Research structures (IRAD and International Centers and some projects

They continue to renew the messages to producers, processors and development projects.

However, this concerns mainly technical innovations, rather than consulting and intervention tools

/ approaches. IRAD has many researchers and technicians spread over the whole territory and

mobilized by the sectors of agriculture, animal husbandry, product processing and forestry. IRAD's

secondary objectives are to promote the valorization and make available to users technological

packages that meet their needs; to generate all the information that has an impact on agricultural

development.

Société de Développement du Coton du Cameroun (SODECOTON)

SODECOTON is a semi-autonomous public extension organization, based in Garoua, operating

in North Cameroon. Its mandate is to promote cotton cultivation among the peasants in the North

and the Far-North Regions. SODECOTON has number of extension staff and plays an important

role in supporting, and training of producers involved in cotton cultivation.

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II.3.2. Level of activity by non-governmental and private sector entities in

agricultural extension

Research structures (IRAD and International Centers) and some projects and NGOs continue to

renew the messages to producers, processors and development projects. However, this concerns

mainly technical innovations, rather than consulting and intervention tools / approaches. In terms

of information dissemination, there are several rural radio stations broadcasting agricultural

information. In addition, SAILD, IRAD, the CAMAGRO platform and various blogs provide a

wide range of information on agriculture and livestock in Cameroon but not all publications are

accessible online.

Private sector

The private agricultural advisory and extension services are very diverse and managed by

commodity chains POs, NGOs, international research structures on an experimental basis and

agro-providers.

Organized commodity chains have succeeded in managing their agricultural value chain (AVC)

systems over time. The cotton sector operates two complementary AVC systems comprising about

150 field agents in direct contact with cotton producers: SODECOTON's technical extension

agents and CNPC-C's salaried facilitators. The latter provide advice to cotton GPs, cereal banks

and women to improve the profitability of IGAs. The cocoa sector, which generates much higher

added value than the cotton sector, has few sustainable advisory and extension services. Some

employees of cooperative unions organize training sessions for cocoa farmers. SODECAO has

refocused on the production of quality seedlings. It intervenes with its field staff by specifically

providing the technical advice necessary to ensure the proper planting of young plants of the

selected varieties it produces. The rest of AVC activities are organized by short-term projects

financed by FODEC. 4

The coffee sector with the UCAOA has seen the disappearance of its extension system following

the coffee crisis of the 1980s and 1990s. National NGOs such as SAILD, INADES and CODAS

CARITAS, are the main NGOs that have developed original but numerically limited forms of

AVC. These schemes are also very dependent on TFP funding. Finally, national and international

4 Elaboration concertée de la politique publique de conseil et de vulgarisation agricoles Volume 1 : Rapport du diagnostic du conseil et de la vulgarisation agricoles au Cameroun, Avril 2017

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research centers have contributed to renewing AVC approaches, particularly ICRAF and IITA.

The Rural Resource Centers (RRCs) promoted by ICRAF propose to

(i) advisory tools in the field of perennial crops and high value-added trees management and

especially

(ii) an approach to ensure the sustainability of the resource center itself by creating

agricultural services. The IITA and the cocoa cooperatives have adapted the Champ Ecoles

approach to the situations of perennial crops. This method of action-research and advice to

producers is now taken up by IRAD.

Non-governmental organizations

Although there is no NGO in Cameroon that provides extension advice to the farmers on regular

basis, a number of NGOs are active in extension or extension type activities. Many of them focus

on sustainable agriculture following participatory approaches for rural development. Names of a

few popular NGOs are given below:

o SAILD, INADES and CODAS CARITAS are some NGOs of national scope that have

developed original Agricultural Value Chain extension activities, but they are numerically

limited.

o Key Farmers Cameroon is a non-profit, self-help umbrella organization of 50 autonomous

groups and about 1,200 individual members. Its mission is to promote sustainable

agriculture and rural development. This NGO has been very active in agricultural

extension, research and training of farmers. Its extension activities cover individual farm

visits, group demonstration farms, farmers’ exchange visits, exhibitions, training,

workshops, farm trials, and collaboration with government services and institutions.

o Center for Environment and Rural Transformation (CERUT): This NGO was founded in

1990 and is located in Limbe. Its goal is to empower local people through training and

extension work for the elimination of socially unjust practices that result in poverty and

land degradation.

o Integrated Rural Community Center for Agriculture (IRCCA): It is an autonomous self-

help group, located in Meluf-Kumbo. IRCCA’s mission is to promote the development and

adoption of sustainable appropriate technologies, practices and diversification in rural

agriculture.

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o Strategic Humanitarian Services (SHUMAS): This NGO, based in Bamenda, North West

Region, promotes integrated sustainable rural development with the aim of improving

living standards of poor, disadvantaged people, in particular women and children.

SHUMAS works in partnership with other NGOs and is active in the areas of primary

schooling, social welfare, agriculture, health care, women’s issues, forestry and organic

farming.

o Group of NGOs for Food Security and Rural Development (COSADER - Collectifs des

ONG pour la Securite Alimentaire et le Development Rural):

Farmers-based associations, cooperatives and societies

There are considerable number of farmers’ associations and cooperatives in Cameroon. Many of

them act as commercial companies, but at the same time are involved, directly or indirectly, in

providing extension and marketing advice to their members. Descriptions of some of the

associations and cooperatives are given as follows:

o Associations de Producteurs et de Stockeurs de Cereales (APROSTOCs): These

associations, formed under the Développement Paysannal et Gestion des Terroirs (DPGT

Project) in Northern Cameroon, are gradually acquiring a network of farmer advisers who

support the improvement of Muskwari sorghum cultivation. These informal networks

disseminate information based on farmers’ knowledge and experience. Farmer advisers are

members of the same community which they serve. They call upon recognized and

influential farmers to assist in conducting training and technical trials. The service is

partially financed by the beneficiary farmers.

o South West Farmers Association, Ltd.: This association was registered as a company in

1990. It has about 700 employees and deals in lime, plum, okra, watermelon, cabbage,

banana, plantain, coco and yams. It is involved in export business.

o North West Farmers’ Organization (NOWEFOR): This association was established in

1995, and has been striving to support the production of garden crops and livestock for

small scale farmers in the North West Region of Cameroon. It is the largest farmers’

organization in the region, and its activities include capacity building and facilitating access

to inputs and markets.

o Other farmers-based organizations in Cameroon are Cocoa Farmers’ Organizations (such

as ONPCCC Farmers’ Association with about 53,000 member farmers), Cameroon

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Association of Rural and Community Radio (CARCOR), Salma Farmers’ Association

(SALMA; mostly in horticulture), Farmers’ Association of Cameroon (CFPC), and

Cameroon National Confederation of Cotton Producers (CNPC-Cameroon-Confederation

Although there is a wide variety of AVC devices in the field, the coverage rate of producers

remains very low at present. It is estimated that the vast majority of producers are currently not

reached by these devices and receive only sporadic information obtained from markets or via rural

radio, or on a very ad hoc basis. In the absence of nationwide monitoring and evaluation systems,

there are no accurate consolidated figures (number of field extension advisors, level of training,

time actually spent with producers doing advisory work, etc.).

Table 2: Assessment of the number of field extension workers and their supervisors

Structures and devices of the agricultural value

chain Field agents

Regional

Supervisors

Mechanisms under the direct supervision of MINADER

and MINEPIA (PNVRA, ACEFA agents, Project

CDDs, AFOP youth integration counselors, etc.).

2 000 500

Public and para-public development company of related

value chains and POs; Cotton (140 field agents + 30

supervisors) Rice (30 + 10) Livestock ( 0, 10)

170 50

NGOs (fixed-term contracts for projects, permanent

employees): APESS, SAILD INADES, etc. 100 30

OP without counting the farmers and stockbreeders

relay: NOWEFOR, PLANOPAC, Resource Centers 130 30

Total 2 400 to 2600 610

Total number of family farms 2.6 to 3.3 million

Coverage rate (No. of FAEs / No. of field agents/) 1 field agent per 1,000 to 1,270 producers

Number of family farms affected by AVC Projects/Programs

200,000 to 300,000 depending on sources

Management ratio (field officers/FAEs recommended) 1 agent for 76 to 115 producers

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Taking into account all the different systems (Ministries and projects under supervision, public,

parapublic and private companies, PO, ...) but not counting the number of farmers and pastoralists,

the number of field agents dedicated to VCA is estimated at between 2,400 and 2,600 for the whole

of Cameroon. The coverage rate of the national AVC system would therefore be estimated at 1

extension advisor per 1000 to 1270 (variable according to the total number of FTEs selected for

these evaluations). In practice, this rate would probably be lower since the "advisors-vulgators"

are also assigned to other tasks (campaign monitoring, statistics, management of input distribution,

etc.) and do not devote a full time to AVC tasks. The contribution of "private" schemes remains

low because the number of extension counselors reporting to this type of structure is estimated to

be around 400 for the entire country.5

II.4. Level of adoption of improved crop varieties, by crop

Studies on adoption level of improved varieties in Cameroon has not been carried out for many

crops. However, based on the experience of some crop specialist it can be stated that in general,

the level of adoption of improved varieties in Cameroon is not as expected.

II.5. Level of utilization of fertilizer and manures

Table 3: Evolution in importation of fertilizers (in tonnes) by products in Cameroon from 2013 to

2017

Fertilizers 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Ammonia, anhydrous 42.8 24.1 17.8 8.1 21.5

Ammonium nitrate (AN) 1898.9 1397.1 4935.0 1864.2 1728.8

Ammonium sulphate 23613.4 24973.2 55968.5 27612.7 36602.8

Diammonium phosphate (DAP) 6622.0 8620.4 19654.4 17851.3 15873.8

Fertilizers n.e.c. 2608.8 49.3 1640.0 437.7 558.9

Monoammonium phosphate (MAP) 728.3 1526.9 1775.0 1125.0 650.0

NPK fertilizers 44292.1 55338.5 26528.2 28591.6 10878.5

Other nitrogenous fertilizers, n.e.c. 774.4 1198.5 426.6 1332.2 461.8

Other NP compounds 50.7 0.3 2134.6 1.3 60.8

Other phosphatic fertilizers, n.e.c. 22.1 819.2 299.8 107.0 250.0

Other potassic fertilizers, n.e.c. 0.0 26.0 98.0 19.6 26.0

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Phosphate rock 300.2 305.1 1184.2 1202.2 1741.5

Potassium chloride (muriate of potash)

(MOP)

14589.9 24255.4 43525.3 29574.4 38208.9

Potassium nitrate 12.0 24.0 54.1 25.2 26.2

Potassium sulphate (sulphate of

potash) (SOP)

5357.9 759.6 3135.5 290.1 373.5

Superphosphates above 35% 600.0 398.3 104.0 50.0 301.0

Urea 57988.5 31627.2 52580.3 56761.0 74057.1

Source: FAOSTAT

Table 4: Import of phytosanitary products

Products 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and

rodenticides, germination inhibitors,

...flycatchers (t)

11 015 11 141 12 600 15 221 16 439

Source: MINCOMMERCE Statistical Yearbook on trade 2016

II.6. General observations on the system for marketing surplus production of staple

crops

In the past years, most of the staple food crops produced were used for subsistence and sold in

local markets. With the increase in the use of agricultural inputs, and the gradual intensification of

cropping systems, there has been an increase in production. Food crop producers now need to find

markets for their surplus production. Increasingly, apart from being disposed of in local markets,

this production is bought in villages by resellers and is transported to big cities where the demand

is growing due to population growth or in neighboring countries (Gabon, Chad, Central African

Republic, Equatorial Guinea). Cameroon is the most important market in the CEMAC zone,

accounting for nearly 50% of the GDP. Millet, sorghum, rice, yam, cassava, fruits (e.g. pineapple,

papaya, oranges), fresh vegetables and plantain are the most staple food crops produced for both

domestic consumption and for exports to countries within the central African region.

II.7. Recent trends in development of markets for staple food crops

More recently, some initiatives have been put in place by the government and some projects in

order to improve access to the market of major staple food crops by farmers. One of these

initiatives is led by the Agricultural Investment and Market Development Project (PIDMA)

Project.

29

Through the establishment of partnerships between producer organizations and local food

companies, subsistence production of cassava, maize and sorghum in Cameroon is being

transformed into commercially-orientated and competitive value chains. As part of a public-private

sector initiative, farmers are being supplied with improved seeds in order to increase production

and provide quality raw materials to national bakeries and breweries. As a result, over 8,000

farmers are now accessing steady and reliable markets, while the local businesses have been able

to significantly reduce their import bills for flour and raw products.

III. STATUS OF SEED SUPPLY IN CAMEROON

III.1. History of seed supply in Cameroon

The Government of Cameroon has always paid particular attention to the production and

distribution of seeds and seedlings to farmers. Immediately after independence, the State based its

seed policy and program on a network of multiplication farms for the dissemination of plant

material throughout the country.

In 1980, a National Seed Plan was elaborated with the assistance of FAO (Bellon Mission). Its

implementation was entrusted to the Mission for the Development of Food, Vegetable and Fruit

Crops (MIDEVIV), which was transformed for the circumstance into the Mission for the

Development of Seeds and Food Crops by keeping the same acronym MIDEVIV.

The new MIDEVIV was restructured into three operational units: Food Seed Project North

(USAID Assistance), Food Seed Project South (UNDP/FAO/FAC Assistance), Coffee-Cocoa

Seed Project (UNDP/FAO/FAC Assistance), Coffee-Cocoa Seed Project (UNDP/FAO/FAC

Assistance), and Coffee-cocoa seed project (Belgian Assistance).

The UNDP/FAO project: WRC/87/013, “Assistance to Seed Production” (1988-1993) assisted

MIDEVIV in the production of food crop seeds in the Southern region.

In 1990, within the framework of structural adjustment and the cessation of USAID funding, the

Government took the decision to dissolve MIDEVIV and liberalize the production and marketing

of seeds and seedlings.

In April, 2001, a national seed program was developed by the Government followed by a feasibility

study of a project to support this program in August, 2001, carried out within the framework of

Project TCP/CMR/9116A. On the basis of this study, negotiations for the financing of its

implementation with donors are underway.

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From September 2004 to June 2006, Project TCP/CMR/3002 (A) assisted farmers' organizations

in the North and Far North in the multiplication and dissemination of healthy rice seeds. In July,

2006, project TCP/CMR/3102 "Support to Farmers' Organizations for the Propagation and

Dissemination of Early Varieties of Maize, Sorghum and Millet in the Northern and Far North

Provinces" was implemented.

With the liberalization of seed production and marketing, this implies the marketing of seeds by

private economic operators (seed multiplication farmers' groups, seed production cooperatives,

seed production and marketing multinationals). It should be emphasized that market mechanisms

for seed transactions were deficient. The market alone cannot regulate the seed activity because

the buyer (farmer) is not able to assess the quality of the product (seed) offered to him/her in the

bag (there is an asymmetry of information). Thus, the intervention of the State by an entity

independent of the parties involved (seed producers and user farmers) was justified to regulate the

seed activity among others through certification and quality control.

Seed certification is defined as the outcome of an inspection and control system carried out

throughout the different stages of multiplication and conditioning to guarantee their genetic and

technological quality. Public action (structure in charge of seed certification and quality control)

by applying seed regulations offers a legitimate protection of each of the actors involved:

protection on the one hand of the seed multiplier, conditioner and distributor against unfair

competition, and on the other hand of the farmer against fraud, negligence and accidents on the

part of seed operators.

Thus, after several consultation meetings with private seed operators (groups of farmers'

organizations, seed multiplication groups, managers of seed establishments), researchers of the

national research service and international agricultural research institutions, a text governing seed

production and marketing in Cameroon was elaborated and promulgated by Law n° 2001/013 of

July 23, 2001 relating to seed activity. To date, the implementing texts signed are as follows:

Decree N° 2005/153 of May 04, 2005, on the creation, organization and functioning of the

National Council for Seeds and Plant Varieties;

Decree N° 2005/169 of May 26, 2005, on the creation, organization and management of

the Seed Fund which is a trust account to support seed development, seed research and

local seed development and conservation. It is placed under the authority of the Minister

in charge of Agriculture.

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Decree N° 2005/3090/PM of August 29, 2005, fixing the quality and missions of sworn

agents in charge of seed control and certification;

Decree N° 2005/3091/PM of August 29, 2005 fixing the modalities of production, quality

control and seed certification;

The joint decree N° 380/MINADER/MINCOMMERCE of August 7, 2006 fixing the

specifications for the production, importation and marketing of seeds;

The joint order N° 381/MINADER/MINCOMMERCE of August 7, 2006 fixing the

general standards of chemical treatment, storage, packaging and labeling of seeds.

Decision No. 537/MINADER/SG/DRCQ/SDRSQV of September 7, 2006 approving the

technical regulation for the collection of official seed samples;

Decision No. 538/MINADER/SG/DRCQ/SDRSQV of September 7, 2006 approving the

official technical regulation for the production, control and certification of seeds of some

legumes (groundnut, soybean, cowpea and bean);

Decision No. 539/MINADER/SG/DRCQ/SDRSQV of September 7, 2006, approving the

official technical regulations for the production, control and certification of seeds of some

vegetatively propagated species (potato, banana, cassava and sweet potato);

Decision No. 540/MINADER/SG/DRCQ/SDRSQV of September 7, 2006, approving the

official technical regulations for the production, control and certification of seeds of some

cereals (composite maize, hybrid maize, rice and open-pollinated sorghum);

Decision No. 541/MINADER/SG/DRCQ/SDRSQV of September 7, 2006 approving the

official technical regulations for the quality control of certain vegetable seeds.

The implementation of this law and its implementing texts required the training of seed inspectors,

controllers, analysts and laboratory technicians and also the equipment of the National Seed

Testing Laboratory (already built and approved) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural

Development.

To remove constraints in the implementation of Cameroon's seed legislation, the Ministry of

Agriculture and Rural Development put in place an official seed control and certification system

with the objective of guaranteeing to the final user of seeds (farmer) a level of quality and promote

genetic progress. The Government of Cameroon requested and obtained technical assistance from

32

FAO for the training of seed control and certification agents, the equipment of the national seed

laboratory and the means of locomotion of seed control and certification agents.6

III.2. Recent and ongoing activity in the improvement of crop varieties

For more than two decades, variety creation has been slowed down, probably due to the insufficient

number of breeders/breeders within IRAD and the lack of financial means. Thus, public research

is more and more oriented towards introductions/adaptations in collaboration with international

agricultural research institutes (IITA, AVRDC, PRASAC, ICRAF, etc...) as well as towards

creation. Pre-basic and possibly basic seed production actions are diffuse in research programs

(cereals program, legumes program, roots and tubers program, etc...), the separation between

research program and seed production is not always clear-cut and clear-cut. Not only are the

production costs of these pre-basic and basic seeds high, but this production tends to distract

researchers from their work of variety creation.

The National Agricultural Investment Plan seeks as part of its objectives to develop research on

improved, high-yielding varieties in order to boost the competitiveness of farms. Several actors

are involved in the improvement of varietal species:

The research institutes (national and international)

They are in charge of developing new improved varieties for different crops, to maintain those

varieties and to make the seeds available to seed producers. They are also in charge of genetic

resources conservation.

Most of the plant variety development activities are carried out at the Institute of Agricultural

Research for Development (IRAD). The major active breeding programs at IRAD are on maize,

sorghum, cowpea, cocoa, palm oil and cotton, sometimes in collaboration with national or

international partners.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

It is in charge of seed regulation and control of the variety release process and the dissemination

of varieties to farmers. The Ministry has taken many actions towards the improvement of varietal

species:

o An Official Catalogue of Species and Varieties was instituted in which plant

varieties developed or introduced in Cameroon are registered. Number of varieties

6 FAO (2009), Projet d’appui au renforcement des capacités pour le contrôle de la qualité et la certification des semences

33

of different crop species were registered all in List C. These varieties will undergo

DUS and VCU tests before they are registered in list A.

List A is made of varieties that have successfully passed DUS and VCU tests in

Cameroon and other countries with the same agro-ecological conditions and DUS

testing guidelines.

List B is a waiting list in which DUS-tested varieties are registered in

other countries with DUS test guidelines equivalent to those in force in Cameroon.

List B varieties may be accepted for certification in awaiting the outcome of the

VCU.

List C is a provisional list in which varieties and species formerly known are

entered and popularised on a large scale before the entry into force of the official

decree. They may be marketed as standard seed and subject to quality control.

Once these varieties pass the DUS tests successfully they are included in List A.

VCU is assumed in the absence of evidence to the contrary.

o Elaboration and validation of official technical regulations for the DUS and VCU

tests for some crops, in order to complete the variety registration process.

The National Council for Seed and Plant Varieties (CONSOV).

In 2001, Cameroon adopted a law on seed production and marketing. In 2005, the country created

the National Council for Seeds and Plant Varieties (CONSOV) by decree N° 2005/153 of May 4,

2005, of the President of the Republic of Cameroon. This body is in charge of promoting and

organizing a reliable seed sector and stimulating its development. The Council was also founded

to regulate and control the registration of new varieties, protect farmers from the sale of counterfeit

products and facilitate the production and marketing of quality seeds in the country. In addition,

as part of its national seed policy, it encourages the development and promotion of new plant

varieties.

The National Seed Funds

A Seed Fund was created by decree N° 2005/169 of May 26, 2005 of the President of the Republic

of Cameroon in application of law N° 2001/014 of July 28, 2001 relating to the seed activity. It

was created in order to support the development of seed activities, seed research, and the

development of new varieties and preservation of local seeds.

34

III.3 Current options for smallholder farmers to access improved and certified seeds

In Cameroon, there are two types of seed system namely:

The informal seed system

In this system, the producers themselves produce, disseminate and procure seeds from their own

harvest or through exchange and barter within their own or neighboring communities. Seed can be

of varying quality. The informal system is rarely monitored or subjected to government policies

and regulations. The informal seed system plays an essential role in Cameroon, including seed

supply for secondary crops. However, with the emergence of new markets, reduced rainfall, and

the emergence of new pests and diseases, producers need a wider diversity of crops and varieties

that are still not available in the informal seed system.

The formal seed system

The formal seed sector is composed of public entities, agricultural institutions, non-governmental

organizations, small businesses and private seed companies engaged in various seed-related

activities. The private seed sector is slowly emerging in Cameroon. The sector is subjected to

national policies and regulations and involves various stakeholders. Through the chain of

interdependent activities (research, multiplication, processing, distribution, transport, storage and

marketing of seeds), seed products obtained are of a well-defined quality in terms of genetic purity

and physiological, physical and phytosanitary quality. The role of the private sector in a formal

system is normally focused on the production and marketing of seed, respecting the requirements

of quality assurance.

In the simplest model, farmer cooperatives buy basic seeds from national authorities or

international research institutes. The members then multiply, distribute the seeds among

themselves, and sell them to neighboring farmers. The more developed cooperatives establish

partnerships with national or international research institutes to test and select varieties, and

collaborate with seed companies, NGOs and government agencies to distribute seed.

Sometimes seed is distributed directly to farmers or to farmers associations by the government or

NGOs. This free distribution, however, is widely viewed as a hindrance to the emergence of a

private seed sector in Cameroon. For instance, in March 2017, during the launching of the cropping

season the government distributed 5.4 million cassava cuttings, three million banana and plantain

suckers, 1,000 MT of maize seeds, 725 MT of rice seeds, 500,000 yam seedlings, two million

mature cocoa seedlings, 2.5 million mature coffee seedlings, and 600 MT of Irish potato seeds.

35

The actors involved are of several types:

Numerous small actors, either individually or other associations, who produce small,

sometimes derisory quantities and concentrate on maize seed, cocoa seedlings, cassava

seed, potato seed, oil palm seedlings. These producers often limit themselves to a single

speculation. Not always having access to quality basic seed, they are generally

unreliable. However, this group of mostly women is not to be rejected out of hand, as

they are driven by a certain willingness and can be contractual multipliers for seed

companies.

Small and medium enterprises that specialize in the production of seeds of all species.

This group of producers emerged after the disengagement from seed production and

marketing with the dissolution of MIDEVIV and has, with a lot of initiative and

technicality, tried to occupy this promising niche. They include institutions,

cooperatives, SAR, and SA etc...

Examples include GIC-AOUDI Sanguéré (North), AFRISEM (West), etc....... These

are competent professionals who are generally technicians and engineers from IRAD

or MINADER in function or retired. They work with salaried staff. Their limitations

are : (i) lack of financial management, (ii) under-equipment for post-harvest operations

(dryer, cleaners/separators, milkers, etc.), (iii) lack of access to credit suitable for

agriculture, (iv) exploitation of land that does not belong to them without an

emphyteutic lease contract, (v) lack of access to credit suitable for agriculture.

Some projects/programs (PRFP, PDVBP, PADFA, PNFM, PPMVCC, PRFPT,

PRODERPP etc...) and development companies (UNVDA, MIDENO, SOWEDA

etc...), MINADER farms, IRAD produce seeds with direct subsidies from the State,

thus creating unfair competition to the already financially fragile private sector.

III.4. Number and descriptions of private seed companies operating in the country

and their annual supply

Officially, according to Access to Seeds Index, last updated April 2019, 13 seed companies are

selling their seeds in Cameroon (Table 5). The seeds are mostly vegetable seeds. Only one of

these seed companies (Semagri) is headquartered in the country. The others distribute seeds in

Cameroon through local distributors.

Semagri is planning to start local seed production activities in addition to the importation.

36

Four companies have test centers, three companies offer extension services, and two operate

breeding centers. None of the companies in the country have processing sites. Only Semagri is a

local company that partners with the Senegalese company Tropicasem. It is one of the few companies

that extensively conducts trials for vegetable seed varieties at its station in Douala. As with other

examples, it imports vegetable seeds and distributes them throughout the country. Rhoticam (Réseau

des horticulteurs du Cameroun) represents a network of actors in horticulture seeds in Cameroon. Pop

Vriend Seeds is another example of an international vegetable seed company that is distributing seeds

in Cameroon through local distributors.

DowDuPont, though its brand Pannar, is active in the country and represented by the company Farmer

House. Farmer House is also involved in vegetable seeds. JACO is a company that mainly offers other

agricultural inputs, with a small portfolio in vegetable seeds.

Apart from the seed companies listed in Access to seed index document, there is a local seed company

Grenier du Monde Rural (GMR), based in the West Region which imports hybrids maize and vegetable

seeds but also produce seeds locally. This company has a capacity of 12 hectares, 8 of which are used

for seed production. GMR does not involve smallholders in these activities. The quantities of vegetable

seeds produced locally per year by GMR are around:

- 400-450 kg of Okra seeds

- 300 kg of black nightshade seeds

- 200 kg of green bean seeds

- 14 tonnes of maize composites

37

Table 5: Seed companies identified as sources of seeds sold in Cameroon

Company

Range of culture Company activities in the country

Major

crop Vegetables

Variety

improvement site Test site

Seed

production

Processing

site Sales

Extension

services

Bayer

Bejo

Corteva

Agriscience

East-West seed

Enza Zaden

Limagrain

Nongwoo bio

Pop Vriend Seed

Sakata

Seed Co

Semagri

Technisem

Source: Access to Seeds Index, last update April 2019

38

Table 6: Other seed suppliers

Source: Access to Seeds Index, last update April 2019

The table 7 shows the quantity of seeds officially imported in Cameroon in 2019-2020. It should be noted that a part from IRAD, IITA

and PRODERIP which import small quantities of seeds for research purpose, all the other importers are doing it for commercial purpose.

Company

Range of culture Company activities in the country

Major crop Vegetables Breeding Seed

production Sales

Agroplants

Farmers House

JACO

Jardin des agriculteurs

Phytograines

Rhoticam

39

Table 7: Seeds imported in Cameroon, quantities, exporting countries and importers (2019-2020)

Crops Quantities

imported

Exporting countries Importers

Pre-germinated oil palm seeds

97,000 seeds Indonesia - CAMSEED SA

Maize seed 290,096 kg Brazil, India, South Africa, Zimbabwe; Thailand, Mexico

- IRAD, - THE FARMERS HOUSE, - ARYSTA, - GMR Sarl,

Potato Seeds 25 661 tonnes France, Germany, Holland - DISEF Suarl, - GIG JEAN, - GROUPEMENT COOPERATIF

AGRICOLE DU MBAM

Rice seed 41 kg 41 kg Senegal, Japan - IRAD, - PRODERIP (Project in MINADER)

Vegetable seeds 47 988 kg France, India, Burkina Faso, USA, Australia, Poland, Italy, China, Thailand, South Africa, Senegal, Chile,

- DISEF Sarl,

- ARYSTA,

- SOLEVO SA,

- SEMAGRI,

- GMR Sarl,

- FIMEX International,

- HORIZON PHYTO PLUS,

- RHORTICAM Sarl,

- JACO SA,

- WORLD VEGETABLE CENTER,

40

- PROLEG

Cacao - Coffee 260 clones and plant material

United Kingdom and Nicaragua IRAD

Fruit tree plants 14,200 seedlings Israel CRIFAT (NGO)

Fodder seeds 449 kg France, USA, KENYA IRAD, SEMAGRI

Soybean, cowpea 54 kg Nigeria, Zimbabwe IRAD, IITA

Sunflower seeds 30 kg Argentina and South Africa -ARYSTA,

- DJIETCHEU Xavier

Vitro plants of plantain

720 700 vitroplants

France, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa, Israel

- BOH PLANTATION LIMITED, - - PHP,

- SOCIETE AGRICOLE DE MBANGA

Cashew seed 6 500 kg Cote d’Ivoire - SIRUS, - PCRN (Political Party)

Pineapple suckers 110 400 suckers Ghana - BCL Source: DRCQ

41

III.5. Other non-governmental organizations and farmers' organizations involved

in seed production and distribution.

Imports of seed for local production are generally made by private Seed Establishments (SEs)

representing international firms, e.g. Farmer's House, a subsidiary of the PANNAR Seed Company

in South Africa for maize hybrids (PAN12, PAN 53), and TECHNISEM for certain vegetable

species. The import markets for vegetable seeds and the entire vendors/distributors are managed

by companies like SEMAGRI. However, other companies that deal with agricultural products such

as JACO, AGROPO, etc. also import vegetable seeds and serve as distributors although not

specialized. The seeds are imported in large quantities and the packaging is done locally and

redistributed to the local points of sale that we call here agro-distributors / retailers.

The system of production and distribution of seeds and seedlings is made up of a small number of

agro-industrial importers/suppliers (SOLEVO, JACO, FIMEX, Poultry Farm of Mvog Betsi...)

and development projects of State channels. This system is considered unsatisfactory in view of

the non-availability of basic seeds for a significant number of producers.

Apart from these seed companies, there are local vegetable seed producers in:

The informal sector who obtain seeds from previous crops before processing them

The formal sector who buy basic seeds from research institute multiply and sell to the

producer or NGOs…

Seed Multipliers provide:

The multiplication of basic and certified seeds and seedlings;

Collection, conditioning and treatment of seeds and seedlings;

Marketing of seeds and seedlings;

The direct actors in the production chain of quality plant material are listed in relation to their

respective segments of activities in the table below:

42

Table 8: Summary presentation of the actors involved in seed production in each priority sector

Crop Production of Commercial

seeds

Production of Basic

seeds

Production/

introduction of

Breeder seeds

Cashew ANAFOR, SODECOTON,

Agricultural Gic ribaou IRAD, CIRAD IRAD, MINADER

Pineapple RHORTICAM IRAD IRAD

Banana Ferme de Mbouroukou IRAD, IITA, CARBAP IRAD, IITA, CARBAP

Cocoa

Ferme de Mengang,

Ferme de Nkoénvone7

Ferme d’Abong

Mbang8

IRAD, CIRAD

Arabica Coffee CIRAD, IRAD CIRAD, IRAD

Robusta Coffee CIRAD, IRAD CIRAD, IRAD

Cotton SODECOTON IRAD, SODECOTON

Palm oil

LRC de PAMOL, CEREPAH

de l’IRAD Dibamba et

SOCAPALM, CDC,

IRAD

Maize

Ferme de Sanguéré, Wakwa,

Galim, Santa coffe Eastate,

Abong Mbang, Mbouroukou,

Nkolo sanaga

IRAD, IITA IRAD

Cassava Ferme de Ngalane, nkolo

Sanaga IRAD, IITA IRAD, IITA

Sorghum Ferme de Gazawa IRAD IRAD

Potato Ferme de Wakwa, santa

Coffee Estate, AFRISEM IRAD, IITA, CIP IRAD, IITA, CIP

rice Ferme d’Avangane, SEMRY, UNVDA IRAD

Source : PNDSA

7 S 8 ES

43

Importers and Exporters are in charge of:

Import and export of seeds and seedlings;

The collection, conditioning and treatment of seeds and seedlings;

The marketing of seeds and seedlings.

They are mainly made up of research organizations (IRAD, IITA, etc.) and private operators (EI,

GAEC, etc.) which the State (MINADER) may temporarily replace for general interest needs.

The roles of the Distributors are:

Collection and marketing of seeds and seedlings;

Seed storage.

IRAD Policy on production and supply of basic seeds

In the past, the production and supply of basic seeds of crop varieties was the mandate of research

institutes (IRAD, IITA...). These basic seeds were made available to seed producers or

cooperatives for multiplication and production of certified seeds. No agreement has been signed

so far between IRAD and other entities to produce basic seeds. However, in the National Plant

Seed policy validated in 2018, the role of the private sector has been extended from production of

certified seeds only to the production of basic seeds as well. This therefore gives an opportunity

for collaboration between research institutes and private sector for basic seed production and

supply.

44

Table 9: Seeds companies, their main activities and major seeds produced

Seed companies Main activities Major seeds Location

AFRISEM

Seed importation, seed

multiplication and

commercialization to

farmers

Maize, potatoes,

fruits plants, beans,

soy bean, palm

trees,

Adamawa

(Ngaoundere)

SEMAGRI

Seed importation, seed

production,

commercialization and

capacity building of

farmers

Tomatoes, oignon,

water melon,

cabagge, carrot, egg

plant, cuccumber,…

Littoral (Douala)

Grenier du monde

rural (GMR)

Production and

importation of seed and

others agricultural inputs

Maize, Okro, green

beans West (Bafoussam)

FARMER’S

HOUSE Seed importation Maize hybrids

North West

(Bamenda)

III.5.1. Facilities available for seed processing and packaging

Seed processing and packaging activities are undertaken by seed producers. However, this step is

also under the control of the seed certification service. Seed packaging in Cameroon is still

approximate. Each seed producer chooses its own packaging based on the recommendations of

DRCQ.

In most cases, seed processing activities in Cameroon are carried out manually, however some

equipment is available in the country (Table 10). Some small maize and beans shelling machines

that are imported or locally manufactured are available in the market. Some forms of mechanical

maize and beans shellers are also in use.

There are also several high-level seed processing facilities in Cameroon. Some are private,

belonging to private individuals or to farmers group while others are public, provided by the

government or some projects. For instance, two mobile maize seed conditioning stations were

made available to maize producers in Obala in 2013 by the Cameroon Seed Fund. The aim was to

increase the supply of quality certified seeds. These machines can process 20 MT of maize per

45

hour and are equipped with, among other things: a tank that can hold 100 kg of seed to be

processed; trap doors that take the maize at the entrance; two lifts; different sieves for grading the

seeds; a coating machine to mix it with chemicals; and outlets once the process is completed. The

maize is then transferred to the multipliers, which will carry out the packaging. These processing

units belong to MINADER. One unit is still in use while the other needs to be repaired.

To improve processing, packaging and seed quality the Government of Cameroon equipped some

seed production farms of MINADER by processing unit center. Seven operational units for

treatment and seed processing are available even though some of them require repair. These units

are used by these seeds production farms and can be opened to cooperatives and seed producers

when necessary. Table 10 below shows distribution of this equipment across the country.

The PIDMA Project has also equipped some cooperatives under their umbrella with seed

processing equipment. These equipment are used by their member and they can also be used to

provide services to other producers.

At IRAD, there are maize and beans shellers and two dryers. Sorting, grading of seeds, treatment

and packaging are done manually.

Table 10: Seed processing units and their location

Region Location Equipment Owner Nature Provider

Centre

Ntui

Seed Dryer

(MINIDRY

MD4-E)

IRAD Public PIDMA

Project

Obala

Two Maize

seed processing

stations:

- 1 Dorez Unit

without

generator and

- 1 chineese

Unit (to be

repaired)

MINADER Public National Seed

Fund

46

Bandjock

Maize seed

processing

equipment

M. Nkolou Private Personal

West

Foumbot

Seed Dryer

(MINIDRY

MD4-E)

IRAD Public PIDMA

Project

Bangangté

Semi-automatic

Processing and

packaging unit

for vegetable

seeds

Grenier du

Monde Rural Private Personal

Far North Maroua

Sorghum

conditioning

station

Cooperative Private PIDMA

Project

1 Dorez

processing unit

with generator

MINADER Public Government

North Garoua 1 chineese Unit

(to be repaired) MINADER Public Government

South Ebolowa

1 Dorez

processing unit

with generator

MINADER Public Government

East Bertoua

1 Dorez

processing unit

without

generator

MINADER Public Government

North

West Santa

1 Dorez

processing unit

with generator

MINADER Public Government

South

West Muyuka

1 Dorez

processing unit

with generator

MINADER Public Government

47

III.5.2. Tonnages of maize seeds and cassava cuttings certified and marketed in 2018,

2019 and 2020.

Table 11: Number of Seed producers and availability of certified maize seed (composite and

hybrid varieties) inspected in the first and second cycle of the 2018 and 2019 years in the

southern zone.

Regions

2018 2019

Number of registered

seed producers

Quantity

(tons)

Number of registered

seed producers

Quantity

(tons)

West 40 241 35 253.5

Adamawa 16 524 18 695.1

Centre 41 343.5 16 124.2

South 7 40 6 14.225

East 3 289.5 7 143.5

North-west 16 83.5 13 87

South-west 11 63 11 90

Littoral 16 114 13 78.5

Source: PIDMA journal of seed producers 2019 and 2020

Table 12: Number of Seed producers and availability of certified maize seed (composite and

hybrid varieties) inspected in the first and second cycle of the 2018 and 2019 years in the

southern zone.

Regions

2018 2019

Number of registered

seed producers

Quantity

(cutting)

Number of registered

seed producers

Quantity

(cutting)

West 1 100 000 1 160 000

East 9 5 803 000 / /

Centre 15 6 605 500 13 4 750 000

South 11 3 170 000 4 2 300 000

Littoral 5 1 300 000 5 1 700 00

Source: PIDMA journal of seed producers 2019 and 2020

48

Table 13: Certified maize seeds (composite and hybrid varieties) available for the 1st agricultural

season of 2020 in the southern zone (Adamaoua, Center, East, South, Littoral, West, North-West

and South-West)

Regions varieties Quantity (tonnes)

West

CHC 201 (KASSAI) 98,5

CHC 202 (ATP) 29,5

CHC 203 22,5

CHH 101 18,5

CMS 8704 2

SHABA 78

Sub-total 249

North-West

CHC 202 (ATP) 176

CHC 201 (KASSAI) 24

SHABA 1

Sub-total 201

South

CHC 202 (ATP) 2

CHC 201 (KASSAI) 2

CMS 8704 12,725

Sub-total 16,725

South-west

CHC 203 25

CMS 8704 65

Sub-total 90

Centre

CHC 201 (KASSAI) 0,88

CHC 202 (ATP) 7

CHC 203 1,4

CHH 101 2,7

CHH 108 0,9

CHI 001 0,2

CMS 8704 104,9

PVASYN6 (biofort) 14

Sub-total 131,98

Littoral

CMS 8501 2

CMS 8704 73,5

Sub-total 75,5

Adamawa

CMS 2019 92,5

CMS 8501 75

CMS 8704 475,1

SHABA 176,4

Sub-total 819

TOTAL 1583,205

Source: PIDMA journal of seed producers 2020

49

Table 14: Certified cassava cuttings available for the 1st agricultural season of 2020 in the

southern zone (Center, East, South, Coast and West)

Regions Varieties Quantity (cuttings)

West

92/0326 60000

92/0057 100000

Sub-Total 160000

Centre

8034 750000

8061 250000

01/1797 100 000

92/0326 1150000

95/0109 1010000

96/1414 550000

Biofortified (I070593) 100000

TME 693 260000

TME 419 580000

Sub-Total 4750000

Littoral

8034 980000

1070539 50000

92/0326 1570000

95/0109 200000

96/1414 200000

Local 600000

TME/419 50 000

Sub-Total 3600000

South 92/0326 2000000

Sub-Total 2000000

TOTAL 10 510 000

Source: PIDMA journal of seed producers 2020

50

III.5.3. Number of agro-dealers currently in operation, by region

Table 15: Number of Agro-dealers by regions registered at DRCQ

Regions

Number of Agro-dealers registered at DRCQ

Companies registered in the

register of operators of the

fertilizer sub-sector in

Cameroon

Companies distributing

pesticides and phytosanitary

treatment devices in

Cameroon

Seed

cooperatives/producers

Far North / 1 6

North / 5 4

Adamawa / 10 6

Centre 23 129 281

South 1 6 38

Littoral 22 96 30

South-

west

/ 13 10

North-

west

1 1 39

West 10 166 99

East / 2 24

Source: MINADER/DRCQ, 2020

Table 16: Evolution of number of seeds producers from 2014 to 2017

2014 2015 2016 2017

Cassava 30 212 46 46

Maize 116 659 129 111

Rice 3 48 2 2

Millet/Sorghum / 27 0 29

Cacao 1 17 19 51

Plantain 1 44 15 /

Source: MINADER/DRCQ

51

III.5.4. Importation of seed – sources and quantities for each major crop

Imports of seed are generally made by private Seed Establishments (SEs) representing

international firms, e.g. Farmer's House, a subsidiary of the PANNAR Seed Company in South

Africa for maize hybrids (PAN12, PAN 53), SEMAGRI and TECHNISEM for certain vegetable

species.

III.5.5. Overall prospects for improving seed supply through a public-private model

The seed policy is one of the framework elements of the Agricultural Development Strategy. It

advocates the disengagement of the State from the functions of production of market goods and

services to allow the development of a responsible and efficient private sector.

The seed policy is based on the following strategic axes:

Privatisation of the production and marketing of seeds and seedlings,

Definition and distribution of the tasks of the different actors within the sector,

Establishment of a flexible and incentive-based institutional and regulatory framework.

The actors

With regard to the orientations set within the framework of the New Agricultural Policy, the

functions within the seed sector are distributed as follows:

Table 17: Actors and functions of the seeds sector

ACTORS FUNCTIONS

private Sector:

Breeders,

contractual multipliers,

conditioner collectors,

importers and distributors

of seeds and plants

grouped within the

Cameroon Seed Trade

Association (ACOSEC)

- Varietal and conservative selection;

- Description of the varieties created or introduced;

- The multiplication of seeds and plants;

- The collection, packaging and treatment of seeds and plants;

- The marketing of seeds and plants;

- Import and export of seeds and plants.

Public agricultural

research:

(Cellule Semences/IRAD)

- Creative and conservative selection;

- The maintenance of all commercial or non-commercial

varieties of cultivated plants and wild relatives and the

production of pre-bases;

- Multi-local testing of new varieties in collaboration with the

services responsible for the control and certification and

promotion of seeds of the Ministry in charge of

Agriculture.

52

The Ministry of

Agriculture and Rural

Development:

(Department in charge of

development of seeds and

plants and Department in

charge of regulation,

control and certification of

seeds and plants)

The implementation of the national seed program and seed

legislation:

- Promotion of the production and use of certified or selected

seeds;

- The approval of varieties in conjunction with the National

Council for Seeds and Plant Varieties;

- Maintaining the National Catalog of Species and Varieties;

- Maintaining the file of professionals with a seed activity in

Cameroon;

- Monitoring the application of the seed law and its application

texts;

- The control and certification of seeds in order to guarantee their

quality vis-à-vis farmers;

- Control of the marketing of seeds and plants;

- The registration, on a proposal from the National Council for

Seeds and Plant Varieties, of species and varieties in the Official

Catalog of Species and Varieties.

The National Council for

Seeds and Plant Varieties

(CONSOV):

(joint State / private body)

It is an advisory body placed with the Minister in charge of

Agriculture in order to advise the Government on all matters

concerning the sustainable development of the seed sector, it is

responsible for:

- To give an opinion on draft laws and regulations relating

to the seed activity;

- to propose the registration or deletion of species and

varieties in the Official Catalog of Species and Varieties.

The institutional framework

The institutional framework of the seed sector brings together the structures and institutions

concerned with the implementation of the national seed program and seed legislation.

The National Council for Seeds and Plant Varieties (CONSOV) is a State/private

sector consultative body responsible for monitoring the coordination of the activities

of the various actors in the seed sector, as such, it aims to:

- advise the Government on all matters concerning the sustainable development of the seed

sector,

- issue an opinion on draft laws and regulations relating to the seed activity,

- propose the registration or cancellation of species and varieties in the Official Catalog of

Species and Varieties,

53

- issue an opinion on the introduction into the national territory of new technologies,

including genetically modified organisms (GMOs) relating to plant material. The

composition of the National Council for Seeds and Plant Varieties ensures a broad

representation of economic operators. It thus creates the conditions for a wide participation

of the private sector in the implementation of seed policy. This allows the Minister of

Agriculture and Rural Development to take the best decisions in terms of regulation of the

seed and plant sector.

The Directorate in charge of support for the production and promotion of the use of seeds

and plants of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, this structure is

responsible for:

o The definition, formulation and implementation of the seed sector development policy,

o The development and monitoring of projects to promote the production and use of seeds

and plants,

o The management of emergency aid for seeds and plants for farmers in the event of a

disaster,

o The search for funding in favor of private seed operators.

The Directorate in charge of regulation, quality control and certification of seeds and plants

of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, this structure is responsible for:

- Monitoring and implementation of international conventions relating to seed activity

and plant genetic resources for food and agriculture,

- The instruction of seed and plant certification files,

- The development of draft standards for the certification of seeds and plants produced

locally,

- The development of projects for quality control standards for seeds and plants marketed

in the national territory,

- The organization and monitoring of the control and certification of seeds and plants.

- The objective of this structure, whose main role is the certification of seeds and plants,

is twofold: to guarantee the end user a sufficient level of quality and to promote genetic

progress in plant material.

54

The Cameroon Seed Trade Association (ACOSEC) is a national grouping of seed professionals

comprising breeders multiplier farmers, conditioners and distributors of seeds and plants. It works

to:

- Ensure permanent consultation between the different professional groups and between

the inter-professional body and public authorities,

- Organize production and marketing in technical, economic and regulatory terms,

- Promote the expansion of the seeds and plants sector in Cameroon and the sub-region.

The regulatory framework

As part of the State's disengagement from the production and marketing of seeds and plants, the

development of a legal framework is necessary to safeguard the general interest of the various

actors in the sector. This is how the President of the Republic promulgated Law No. 2001/014 of

July 23, 2001 relating to the seed activity. This law takes into account the two principles defined

in the institutional and regulatory aspect of the Rural Development Strategy Document, namely,

incentive and flexibility:

The seed law is an incentive:

- It does not impose an entry barrier on the seeds and plants market; the conditions of

access and exercising of seed activities are simplified as much as possible. The freedom

to exercise activity is available to any natural or legal person. It is simply subject to a

simple declaration of activity;

- It closely associates the private seed sector, breeders, multipliers, conditioners, and

distributors of seeds and plants with the management of the sector;

- It provides for incentive measures in the financial, fiscal-customs, land, state and

logistics fields in order to promote private investment in the seeds and plants sector;

- It offers protection to breeders and seed establishments against unfair competition by

taking into account the provisions of Annex 10 (Plant Variety Protection) of the revised

Bangui Agreement.

The seed law is also flexible: thelaw and its implementing decrees establish the general

technical-legal principles of the production and marketing of seeds and plants of all

categories and grant the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development the necessary

powers to make applicable the technical regulations for production, quality control and

certification of each species or group of species of seeds and plants. These technical

55

regulations, regularly amended after consulting the National Council for Seeds and Plant

Varieties (CONSOV), as needed, as the seed activity in Cameroon develops,

The proposed certification system does not automatically apply to the production of all seeds and

plants placed on the market. The certification of seeds will be done gradually by species or groups

of species, taking into account the public interest as well as the technical, social and economic

constraints of the various actors and farmer users. However, all certified or non-marketed seeds

are subject to quality control.

IV. NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SYSTEM

IV.1. Public institutes and universities actively engaged in crop breeding

In Cameroon, the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) conducts research

activities on improving the potential of certain crops. In addition, some State Universities

(University of Dschang, University of Yaoundé I, University of Buea, University of Bamenda, and

the University of Maroua have a Department of Agriculture and have among their lecturers plant

breeders. But there is no active breeding program. They usually rely on breeding programs of the

research institutes for practicals or internships in the field of plant breeding.

There is no sustainable breeding program for vegetable crops. This due to insufficient human

resources in the national research institute, especially those specialized in vegetable breeding.

World Vegetable Center and some universities are currently conducting trials on the adaptation of

vegetable varieties in some parts of Cameroon with the intention of disseminating well-adapted

varieties to farmers.

IV.2. Nature of recent or ongoing crop improvement activities

The current active breeding programs in Cameroon are at the Institute of Agricultural Research for

Development (IRAD) which conducts research activities on improving the potential of cereals

(maize and sorghum), legumes (cowpea), cocoa, and palm oil. IRAD is also working with some

international research institutions in order to introduce improved varieties for testing for their

adaptability and dissemination to farmers, including IITA for maize and cassava, CIP for potato,

CIAT/PABRA for common beans, Africa Rice for rice, the Soybean Innovation Lab, University

of Illinois for soybean, and ICRISAT for Sorghum.

56

IV.3. Level of capacity of public breeding institutions

The only public breeding institution in Cameroon is IRAD, which conducts research activities in

all areas of plant and animal production in order to meet the needs and aspirations of all

development actors in Cameroon. IRAD's genetic improvement and seed production programs in

the past years were very well-developed, especially in the breeding of cereals (maize, rice,

sorghum), roots and tubers and plantain banana (potatoes, sweet potato), legumes and vegetable

crops (soybean, cowpea, beans, groundnut), industrial crops such as cocoa, oil palm, cotton.

However, due to an on-going reduction in human and material resources, IRAD now focuses

mainly on the improvement and production of seed of cereals, legumes, roots and tubers.

Nevertheless, for plant breeding and seed production, IRAD has enough land as well as some

agricultural infrastructure and equipment. IRAD's major problem remains the lack of human

resources in the field of crop improvement and seed production. Despite the recent recruitment of

several waves of young researchers, they need to strengthen their capacity in the field.

Financial resources are also limited, and despite the resources allocated by the government, IRAD

regularly depends on external funding sources (projects) for research and seed production

activities.

57

Table 18: Location of IRAD research Center structures and their potential crops

No Research Centers Ecological zones Potential crops

1 Regional Centre for Agricultural

Research of Maroua

Sudano-Sahelian

Zone

maize, sorghum, millet,

groundnuts, onion, sesame,

cotton, rice, soybean, cowpea,

cotton

2 Regional Centre for Agricultural

Research of Wakwa

Guinean Savanna

Zone

maize, yam, potato, wheat, sweet

potato, cassava, cowpea, rice

3 Regional Centre for Agricultural

Research of Mbalmayo

Humid Forest

Zone with

Bimodal Rainfall

Regime

maize, cassava, plantain, desert

banana, yam, soybean, rice,

cocoa, coffee, pineapple, fruits

trees, okra, pepper

4 Regional Centre for Agricultural

Research of Ekona

Humid Forest

Zone with

Monomodal

Rainfall Regime:

maize, cassava, plantain, desert

banana, yam, soybean, rice,

cocoa, coffee, pineapple, fruits

trees, okra, pepper, traditional

vegetable

5 Regional Centre for Agricultural

Research of Bambui

Western High

Plateaus Zone

maize, cassava, plantain, desert

banana, potato, common bean,

wheat, soybean, yam, rice, cocoa,

coffee, groundnuts, pineapple,

fruits trees, okra, pepper,

traditional vegetable

Source: IRAD

In addition to these five regional research centers, IRAD has a specialized station on palm oil

research located in Dibamba, where breeding activities are carried out on palm oil as well as seed

production activities.

IV.3.1. Human resources

IRAD's scientific staff consists of 347 Researchers and 72 technicians. More than 50% of this

workforce is made up of newly-recruited researchers who are not yet specialized. Only 60 (17%)

of researchers are PhD holders. It should be noted that IRAD has only six plant breeders with PhD.

It is therefore necessary to train most of them in priority research areas such as crop improvement

or seed technology. The tables below shows the number of personnel at IRAD and those engaged

in crop improvement at IRAD.

58

Table 19: IRAD scientific and technical personnel

Category Number Percentage

PhD 60 14.6

MSc. 210 51.1

Engineers 69 16.8

Technicians 72 17.5

Total 411 100.0

Source: IRAD

Table 20: IRAD scientific personnel engaged in crop improvement (number per crop)

Crop PhD MSc. BSc. Technician

Beans 0 2 0 2

Soybean 1 3 0 1

Cowpea 3 2 0 3

Maize 1 5 0 5

Rice 0 3 1 1

Sorghum 1 2 1 3

Wheat 1 1 0 1

Cassava 1 1 0 1

Potato 0 2 2 1

Banana, fruits & vegetables 1 1 0 1

Cotton 1 1 1 2

Palm oil 3 3 2 2

Cocoa 1 2 1 2

Coffee 1 2 1 2

IV.3.2. Infrastructure

IRAD possesses a number of infrastructure in all its operational structures distributed over the

country. These are used for crop improvement and seed production among other activities. The

most important are:

59

i) Laboratories

IRAD has 17 functional laboratories located in all the five agroecological zones.

One Biotechnology laboratory in Maroua;

Two tissue culture laboratories of Ekona and Bambui;

Two soil laboratories in Yaoundé and Ekona;

Four plant pathology laboratories in Yaoundé, Bambui, Ekona, Maroua;

Four food technology laboratories in Yaoundé, Garoua, Bambui and Wakwa;

One entomology laboratory in Yaoundé;

One biological control laboratory in Yaoundé;

One rubber technology laboratory in Ekona;

One Lipids analysis laboratory in Dibamba.

ii) Screen houses

IRAD has six screenhouses to complement the work of the biotechnology laboratory and the tissue

culture labs. There are two screenhouses in Yaounde, one in Maroua, one in Bambui, one in

Njombe, one in Ekona.

iii) Cold room

IRAD has five cold rooms (in Yaounde, Garoua, maroua, Ekona and Bambui) but none of them

are functional, and the breeding programs are using deep freezers to conserve their genetic

resources. This situation causes regular losses of varieties in the germplasm.

IV.4. Recent or ongoing collaborations with private sector in seed supply

The seed value chain in Cameroon is made up of a certain number of links through which the seed

undergoes transformations that give it added value. These transformations are undertaken by actors

who complement each other, each playing a specific role. The table below presents the links of the

Seed Value Chain (SVC), the actors involved in the links and the roles (responsibilities) they play

in the value chain.

60

Table 21: Typology of seed value chain (SVC) actors and their responsibilities

Links of the seed

value chain Actors involved Roles

Varietal selection and

varietal breeding

National agricultural research

system (IRAD, IITA, AVDRC,

CIRAD, CARBAP, CIRAD),

Seed companies (SEEDCO,

SEMAGRI, LIMAGRAIN)

o varietal creation;

o varietal conservation and

maintenance;

o description of the

varieties created or

introduced;

o production of stem seeds

o production of pre-basic

and possibly basic seeds

Conduct of tests

homologation

National agricultural research

system (IRAD, IITA, AVDRC,

FASA, CARBAP, DSS-TS/UYI)

o conduct of VCU and DUS

tests;

o Conduct of adaptability

tests

Multiplication of

Seeds

IRAD, IITA,AVDRC,

private seed producers (OP,

individus, SOCAPALM), Public

and parastatal organizations

(PAMOL, CDC, SODECAO,

SEMRY, UNVDA, ANAFOR,

SODECOTON), MINADER

farms, Programs and projects

(PAP-MAVQ), ONG.

o Multiplication of basic

and certified seeds and

plants;

o Collection, treatment and

conditioning of seeds and

plants;

o Marketing of seeds and

plants;

o Import and export of

seeds and plants.

Cleaning, calibration,

processing and

conditioning of

seeds

-maize conditioning center in

Bachenga / Mbandjock (Private)

- MINADER seed treatment units

(Obala, Santa, Sanguere,

Muyuka,)

o Drying, stripping,

grading, cleaning,

treatment and

conditioning of seeds

Import and

Export

o Exporters (IRAD, IITA)

o Importers (Socapalm,CDC,

Farmer’s house, Semagri ,

Arysta life science, Proleg,

Green field plantation Ltd,

Star agricseedCamLtd, PHP,

TenchiEvolutionsarl, GIZ,

Agro industriel

o Import and export of

seeds and plants;

o multiplication of basic

and certified seeds and

plants;

o collection, conditioning

and treatment of seeds

and plants;

61

o marketing of seeds and

plants.

Certification and

quality control MINADER (SDRSQV, LNAD)

o Certification of seeds

and plants

o Analysis of the quality of

seeds and plants

o Seed quality control and

plants

Distribution

o IRAD, IITA, Project and

o MINADER programs,

NGOs, Seed multipliers,

Traders

o Public and parapublic

organizations (PAMOL,

CDC, SODECAO,

SEMRY, UNVDA,

ANAFOR, MIDENO,

SOWEDA,

SODECOTON)

o Large plantations

(SOCAPALM, Swiss

Farm, PHP)

o Large plantations;

o Producer organization

o Isolated farmers

o The marketing and

distribution of seeds and

plants.

Consumption /

Food production

o MINADER programs, NGOs,

Seed multipliers, Traders

o Consumption of seeds

and plants for food

production

IV.5. Current status of crop variety licensing arrangements with the private sector

Despite the fact that IRAD has protected in 2012 17 varieties of different crops with African

Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI), no arrangement has ever been made with any private

company to transfer these breeder’s right. This could be explained by the fact that IRAD is a public

institution. Yet the transfer of these rights to the private sector would have allowed to obtain

royalties that would serve as a return on investment and finance varieties development activities.

All these protected varieties are used by private seed producers for commercial purpose without

any constraints.

62

Table 22: IRAD Crop varieties protected at OAPI

CROP Number of varieties protected Year

Maize 7

CHI001, CHI002, CMS8704,

CMS8501, CHC202, CHC201, COCA-

SR

Sorghum 1 CS54

Cowpea 2 CRSP-NIEBE, LORI-NIEBE

Sweet potato 2 TIB1, IRAD1112

Groundnut 3 CGS383, CGS310, CGS1272

Cassava 2 8017, 8034

The table below shows the number of varieties in collections and disseminated on the main target

crops of the national varietal selection. It can be seen that the seed sub-sector has a fairly rich

genetic potential consisting of clones, varieties and hybrids, despite the very low demand for seed.

This is a strength that ensures the sustainability of the system.

Table 23: IRAD varieties available for seed production

Crops Varieties Observation

Maize OPVs CMS8704, CMS8501,

CHC201, CHC202, COCA-

SR, SHABA, CMS2019,

CMS9015, ADVANCED

NCRE, EVDT-W, BSR

PVA SYN6, PVA SYN13,

ACRO06

CMS8806, CHC203

PVA SYN6, PVASYN 13

and ACRO06 were

introduced from IITA

Maize hybrids CLH103, CHH105, CHH101,

CHH300.

Cassava 8034, 8017, 8061

Sorghum CS-95, Damougari, S-35, CS-

54, DOURRA, Zouaye, CS-61

Rice TOX 3145-34-3-2, IR 46,

NERICA L 4,ITA 300,

NERICA L56 NERICA L 36,

NERICA 3, NERICA8,

All NERCA varieties were

introduced from Africa

Rice and evaluated in

Cameroon

63

NERICA 9, ORYLUX6,

NERICA L60, NERICA 13,

Common beans GLP 190 (mac-mac), PH 201,

PH 274, PH 495, PH 320, Ty

3396-12, MEX-142

Eca Pan 021, Mac 55, Mac 33,

KJ4/3, Nitu (G16157), PB

(Petit Blanc), NUA-99, B.G.G,

DOR-701, P.N.N, NUV-109-2

Many of these varieties (in

bold ) were introduced

from CIAT

Groundnuts ICGV 86003,

JL 24,

MANIPENTAR,

28-206,

IB 66,

M 513 77-1,

55-437,

IB 66,

K32 37-80,

CGS 269,

CGS 1272,

Potato MAFFO,

IRAD 2005,

Bambui Wonder,

Cipira,

Tubira,

Jacob 2005,

Plantain Essong, Elat, Big Ebanga,

French clair, Bâtard

Palm oil TENERA, DURA, PESIFERA

64

Table 24: Plant species (Crops) targeted and number of varieties in collection (registered) and

used in seed production

CROP

Number of

registered

varieties

IRAD registered varieties used in seed

production

Varity

types

MAIZE 27

CMS 8501, CMS 8704, VROUMSIA Thinaye

(CMS 8806) CMS 9015, SHABA, KASAÏ-SR,

COCA-SR, BSR-81, CHC 202 (ATP), HOGBE

LEND (CHC 201), ACRO06, PVA SYN6

OPVs

CHH 101, CHH 105, CLH 103, CHH300 HYBRIDS

SORGHUM/MILLE

T 8

CS-95, Damougari, S-35, S-54, DOURRA,

Zouaye

Mixture of

sorghum

and millet

varieties

RICE 19

TOX 3145-34-3-2, IR 46, NERICA L 4,ITA 300,

NERICA L56 NERICA L 36, NERICA 3,

NERICA8, NERICA 9, ORYLUX6, NERICA

L60, NERICA 13,

Mix of

rainfed

lowlands

and

irrigated

rice

varieties

POTATO 13 CIPIRA, TUBIRA, SPUNT, DIAMANT,

PAMINA, MONDIAL

Mixture of

IRAD

varieties

(CIPIRA,

TUBIRA)

and

imported

varieties

CASSAVA 11 8034, TME 419, 95/0109, 96/1414, 92/0326

Varieties

developed

by IITA

and

popularize

d by

MINADE

R except

IRAD

8034

65

COCOA 4 IMC 60, F16−7, CF2-74, F28-7 -HYBRID

PLANTAIN FRENCH, ESONG, EBANG

The

majority of

local

improved

varieties

are owned

by

CARBAP

and IITA

OIL PALM TREE 3 TENERA, DURA, PESIFERA

The 3

improved

varieties

commonly

used are

developed

by IRAD

Dibamba.

V. NATIONAL SEED POLICY FRAMEWORK

V.1. Documents which control the supply of seed

Cameroon has a legislative framework that guarantees the quality of seeds and seedlings on the

market. The related activities are based on the law n°2001/014 of July 23, 2001 relating to seed

activity. This law is supplemented by several regulatory texts in the form of decrees, orders,

decisions, etc. In addition, a seed policy document has been validated in 2018, defining not only

the institutional and legislative framework of seed activity but also the role and responsibilities of

the different stakeholders. To date, the implementing texts signed are as follows:

Decree N° 2005/153 of May 04, 2005 on the creation, organization and functioning of the

National Council for Seeds and Plant Varieties;

Decree N° 2005/169 of May 26, 2005 on the creation, organization and management of the

Seed Fund which is a trust account to support seed development, seed research and local

seed development and conservation. It is placed under the authority of the Minister in

charge of Agriculture.

66

Decree N° 2005/3090/PM of August 29, 2005 fixing the quality and missions of sworn

agents in charge of seed control and certification;

Decree N° 2005/3091/PM of August 29, 2005 fixing the modalities of production, quality

control and seed certification;

The joint decree N° 380/MINADER/MINCOMMERCE of August 7, 2006 fixing the

specifications for the production, importation and marketing of seeds;

The joint order N° 381/MINADER/MINCOMMERCE of August 7, 2006 fixing the

general standards of chemical treatment, storage, packaging and labeling of seeds.

Decision No. 537/MINADER/SG/DRCQ/SDRSQV of September 7, 2006 approving the

technical regulation for the collection of official seed samples;

Decision No. 538/MINADER/SG/DRCQ/SDRSQV of September 7, 2006 approving the

official technical regulation for the production, control and certification of seeds of some

legumes (groundnut, soybean, cowpea and bean);

Decision No. 539/MINADER/SG/DRCQ/SDRSQV of September 7, 2006, approving the

official technical regulations for the production, control and certification of seeds of some

vegetatively propagated species (potato, banana, cassava and sweet potato);

Decision No. 540/MINADER/SG/DRCQ/SDRSQV of September 7, 2006, approving the

official technical regulations for production, control and certification of seeds of some

cereals (composite maize, hybrid maize, rice and open-pollinated sorghum);

Decision No. 541/MINADER/SG/DRCQ/SDRSQV of September 7, 2006 approving the

official technical regulations for the quality control of certain vegetable seeds;

The National seed catalogue of varieties and plant species;

The national seed plan;

V.2. Recent or ongoing activities aimed at improving seed supply

- The Quality Plant Material Production Support Project (PAP-MVQ) was put in place by

the Government. The overall objective of the project is to improve the availability of

Quality Plant Material. Specifically, it aims to:

o Increase the production level of Quality Plant Material (QPM);

o Strengthen the capacities of actors in the production of QPM;

67

o Acquire infrastructure and make good use of technological equipment for the

production, storage and conservation of QPM;

o Increase the dissemination of quality plant material on the national territory.

- The CONSOV meeting: From 23rd to 25th September 2020, the 8th and 9th Sessions of

the National Council for Seeds and Plant Varieties (CONSOV) were held in Yaounde and

Mbalmayo in the presence of the 27 members of the Council and four special guests. The

agenda covered the examination of DUS and VCU testing protocols for potato, maize,

onion, cowpea and watermelon varieties (8th Session) and the examination of the draft

National Plan for the Development of Agricultural Seeds as well as the draft of the Official

Technical Regulations (RTO) for production and certification of citrus seedlings, Avocado,

Mango, Cashew and Pineapple plants (9th Session).

- Release of the first Catalogue of Plant Species and Varieties to help growers choose

appropriate varieties.

- Inclusion of existing varieties in List C of the catalogue pending DUS and VCU tests for

inclusion in List A.

- Capacity building of researchers and research technicians on seed production of certain

crops at IRAD.

- Regular capacity building of MINADER staff (extension workers, seed inspectors...) for

better support of seed producers and seed certification.

- Organisation of seed fairs and Farmer Field Schools by the Ministry of Scientific Research

and Innovation.

- Capacity building of cooperatives and farmer’s organisations on seed production (e.g. by

PIDMA Project/MINADER)

- Registration of seed growers and elaboration of the seeds journal with quantities of seed

produced. This journal is distributed to all actors of the seed value chain.

- Support by PIDMA projects of IRAD and some cooperatives with some equipment to

improve the quality and quantity of seed produced.

68

V.3. Process for the official release of improved crop varieties

The law relating to the seed activity stipulates in its article 10, paragraph 1, that an Official

Catalogue of Species and Varieties is instituted in which are registered the plant varieties

developed or introduced in Cameroon according to the modalities fixed by regulation.

Generally, for a crop variety to be released in Cameroon, the following steps are necessary:

i) The promoter has to apply to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER)

stating all the attributes of the new variety. The operator must provide a descriptive sheet of the

variety to be introduced. This descriptive sheet must include:

- The phenotypic description (available from the breeder/maintainer);

- The agronomic description under Cameroonian conditions (adaptability to different agro-

ecologies): Grain yield; Resistance to the main diseases;

- Organoleptic/nutritional characteristics

ii) MINADER then requests supplementary tests (DUS and VCU). iii) If these tests are successful,

the variety is added in the National Catalogue of Species and Varieties of Cameroon and iv)

MINADER officially releases the variety to the Cameroonian public. The duration of the release

process is not predefined, but depends on the crop species and also on the periodicity with which

the CONSOV is organised. For the DUS test, the variety is evaluated for two independent growing

cycles. The registration in the National Catalogue follows when the national commission for

varieties registration is held. It should be noted that, unlike in the past, that commission is planned

to be held on a regular basis, at least once every year.

V.4. Procedures for seed certification

The seed control and certification process is essential in the production and marketing of certified

seed. Seeds and plant materials are governed in Cameroon by a well-developed regulatory

framework. It is law n° 2001/014 of July 23, 2001 relating to seed activity and its decrees and

application decrees. This framework covers all aspects of seed activity including regulation,

certification, control, practice, transactions and organization. Seed control is carried out at all

stages and in all places of production, from the field to the shop of the producer or distributor

previously admitted to the control. Laboratory checks enable the seed inspection and certification

service or any other approved body to ensure that the seed submitted to it:

Have a minimum requirement of varietal or genetic specific purity;

69

Have a good physiological and health status;

Meet, where appropriate, the required technological standards;

The required standards are set out in the various technical regulations. The number of checks and

the vegetative stages at which they must be carried out vary according to the crop. The seed

regulation is considered good and complete by professionals in the field of seeds and plant

materials 9

In practice, the procedure for seed certification is as follows:

The technical investigation

This consists in verifying that the declarant meets the conditions of the specifications (Joint Order

N° 380/MINADER/MINCOMMERCE of 07 August 2006). As soon as the seed activity

declaration is received, the Seed Administration has 60 days to carry out a technical survey at the

declarant's expense (from the date of deposit of the survey fees). At the end of the technical enquiry

with a favourable opinion, the Seed Administration issues a certificate of exercise of the seed

activity. This certificate is valid for a period of 03 years, renewable under the same conditions.

Seed crop declaration

It is the materialisation of the multiplier's intention to produce plant material. It consists for the

latter to fill in four copies of a (non-stamped) seed crop declaration form approved by the DRCQ

at the beginning of each crop cycle or agricultural season.

Seed fee

The seed grower must pay a seed fee related to certification operations at the time of filing his crop

declaration at the regional office level. A report on the distribution of crop declarations is drawn

up with a view to allocating seed plots to seed inspectors/controllers.

Seed inspection

Seed crops must be placed throughout the production process under the inspection of sworn agents

of the Seed Administration. The inspection is carried out in the presence of the seed grower or his

representative. In case of refusal of an inspection, the seeds from these crops shall not be accepted

for certification.

9 IRAM, 2017. Cameroun Evaluation des risques agricoles Rapport Final, Avril 2017.

70

Estimation of quantities and sampling

At harvest, the inspector and the producer estimate the quantities of seed produced and the

corresponding official labels. Samples are taken for analysis in the laboratory

Quality certification of seed batches

After successful laboratory tests, a seed batch quality certificate is issued to the breeder and official

labels are affixed to the seed batches.

Other steps of the procedure are control of storage, packaging, handling of register of seed

transactions and commercialization.

V.5. Current status of the regulatory agencies in charge of seed certification

Seed certification is done by the Sub-directorate of Seed Regulation and Plant Quarantine

(SDRSQV). It is under the Directorate for Regulation and Quality Control of Inputs and

Agricultural Products (DRCQ). DRCQ is a Directorate attached to the General Secretariat of the

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. When it was created, its mission was to provide

expertise in the implementation of regulatory frameworks for agricultural inputs and products.

Today it is extending its expertise into the production of phytosanitary certificates and the

implementation of national projects supported by partners. The actual mission of DRCQ is to

improve the quality of agricultural inputs and products not only for foreign countries, but also for

regions of the national territory.

The state system is completed by the National Council for Seeds and Plant Varieties (CONSOV)

which is a multipartite structure composed of MINADER, other public administrations, the private

sector, producers and civil society.) The Cameroonian state also participates in the international

management of the quality of agricultural inputs and the conformity of products to international

standards. This mechanism is supposed to ensure a total coverage of the national territory and

guarantee a healthy, efficient and effective seed and plant material sector.

i. Active personnel

Institutionally, SDRSQV (under the Directorate for Regulation and Quality Control of Inputs and

Agricultural Products (DRCQ) is responsible for quality control and seed certification has a central

level:

- a seed certification service comprising a head of service and two design engineers;

- a seed quality control service comprising a head of department and two research engineers;

71

- A national seed analysis laboratory comprising a head of laboratory and two research

engineers;

- The Assistant Director, the heads of service and the study engineers are national seed

inspectors;

- The Head of seed analysis laboratory are seed analysts and laboratory technicians.

At the level of each Region, there is a Head of Office (seed inspector) for seed control and

certification, assisted by a seed inspector and two seed controllers.

The DRCQ has a network of sworn seed inspectors and controllers in the country's central and

decentralized services. Controllers are mainly with the level of agricultural technicians while

inspectors have the level of engineer in agriculture. However, the number of these agents which is

58 for all regions and 20 at the central level is not sufficient to cover the demand in terms of seed

plot inspections. In addition, the means of transport to visit the seed production plots which are

generally in rural areas, are not sufficient despite the efforts made by government through the

National Seed Funds which is responsible of financing this activity. It should be noted that seed

control and certification agents are generally based in MINADER regional offices and must be

deployed in divisions and subdivisions.

Table 25: Number of seed control and certification agents available at the regional and central

level

Localization Number of

inspectors

Number of

controllers

Total Minimum

required

Far North 1 6 7 10 North 4 2 6 10 Adamawa 3 2 5 10 Centre 3 8 11 10 East 2 3 5 10 South 1 2 3 10 North West 0 3 3 10 South West 1 4 5 10 West 2 4 6 10 Littoral 3 4 7 10 Directorate of DRCQ

6 14 20

Total 78 Source: DRCQ

72

ii. Infrastructure

The Directorate for Regulation and Quality Control of Agricultural Inputs and Products is made

of offices and laboratories. There is one National Laboratory and 10 laboratory posts (one in each

of the Regions). DRCQ also has a farm serving as testing areas at the level of the Directorate. The

National laboratory has four components: seed analysis, fertilizer and soil analysis, analysis of

phytosanitary products, and analysis of agricultural products.

The seed analysis component carries out the following type of analysis: moisture content, specific

purity, weight of 1000 seeds, germination percentage, viability and Health status. The regulatory

bases of the analyses are the following: ISTA standard, Seed Law (Law No. 2001/014 of 23 July

2001) and CODEX standard.

Although seed regulations in Cameroon and the state mechanism for their implementation are

considered quite satisfactory, the application of this legislative framework remains problematic.

According to the concurring opinions of some institutions and resource persons the biggest

problem of seed regulation implementation in Cameroon would be due to the weak mastery of the

law and the lack of professionalism of actors. Also, abuses and differentiated treatment regarding

the application of the law were mentioned10 . The situation since this study has not changed much

despite the efforts made by the government to improve the seed sector.

V.6. Current status of basic (foundation) seed supply

According to the seed law basic (foundation) seeds are mainly produced by research institutes

(currently the National research institute (IRAD) and IITA). The recent National Plant Seed policy

has extended the role of the private sector from production of certified seeds only to the production

of basic seeds as well.

10 IRAM, 2017. Cameroun Evaluation des risques agricoles Rapport Final, Avril 2017.

73

Table 26: Annual basic seeds produced by IRAD between 2014 and 2017 for some crops

Crop Unit Year

2014 2015 2016 2017

groundnut Kg 5,000 10,000 8,000 -

Plantain suckers - - 15,000

Beans Kg 25,000 20,000 15,000 56,000

Yam minisets - - - 22,000

Maize Kg 400,000 240,000 188,000 233,000

Cassava Cuttings 3,000,000 3,000,000 3,200,000 4,200,000

Cowpea Kg 10,500 12,000 10,000 15,000

Potato Kg 40,000 56,000 56,000 146,000

Rice Kg 25,000 78,000 40,000 182,000

Soybean Kg 4,000 8,000 10,000 10,000

Sorghum Kg 40,000 40,000 28,000 176,000

Source: IRAD Annual reports

It should be noted that basic seeds are normally used to produce certified seeds of first generation.

However, sometimes they are sold directly to crop producers due to the lack or delay in demand

from producers of certified seeds.

V.7. Procedures for production and supply of basic seed11

The "Practical Guide to Administrative Formalities for Entrepreneurs in Cameroon", which is a

compendium of administrative procedures, sets out the steps necessary for a company to carry

out an activity in a given economic sector states the procedures for production and

commercialization of seeds in general as follows:

11 MINPMEESA (2008), Guide pratique des formalités administratives à l’intention des entrepreneurs au Cameroun

74

Activity 1: Marketing and distribution of seed products

Authorization

Payable Seed activity certificate

Pre-requisite

1. Have land located in a geographical area favorable to the

cultivation envisaged;

2. Have a permanent technical staff (provide a list of

supported staff with the necessary justifications to the

service responsible for seed control and certification)

3. Have staff specialized in conservative breeding (provide the

list of staff supported by the necessary justifications to the

service responsible for seed control and certification)

Place of deposit /

withdrawal Central mail from the Ministry of Agriculture

Reference text

Joint Order No. 380 / MINADER / MINCOMMERCE of August 7,

2006 setting specifications for the production, import and marketing

of seeds

75

Activity 2: Seed production

Required

authorization Seed activity certificate

Prerequisites

A. Structures producing dry seeds must meet the following

conditions

1. In case of production of pre-basic and basic seeds, have a plot for the

conservation of propagated plant material;

2. Have a quantity of basic seeds related to the production program of

certified and standard seeds and justify their origin

3. Have a packaging line related to the planned production program and

which must include at least:

- A drying area or possibly a dryer,

- A cleaner / separator / calibrator,

- Seed treatment equipment,

- Weighing and bagging equipment;

4. Have an area or a shed to receive raw seeds, premises to store the seeds

produced, and the stocks carried over in good conservation conditions to

maintain an adequate level of humidity and good sanitary conditions. These

premises must be isolated from any store which may contain seeds for

consumption;

5. Have a laboratory for self-checking equipped with standard analysis

equipment, in particular tests for germination, purity, humidity and sanitary

status;

6. Have one or more accessible fields and operating equipment in the event

of controlled multiplication. In the event of multiplication by multiplier

farmers, they must meet the conditions set out in Article 5

B. Seed producers must meet and comply with the following

conditions:

1. Have easily accessible seed multiplication fields;

2. Comply with isolation standards;

- Possibly have the means for irrigating the seed multiplication fields;

76

- Keep the packaging labels, invoices and delivery notes justifying the

origin of acquisition of the mother seeds to be multiplied until the

first field inspection;

- Place a sign next to each multiplication plot with the following

information:

the species and variety,

the category,

the batch number,

the area sown in hectares.

C. Establishments producing pre-basic and basic seed potatoes

must have a vitro plants center composed of:

A culture medium production unit;

A sterile transplanting unit;

A plant breeding unit;

A tuberization unit;

A sanitary test unit

In the event of the production of certified potato plants, the

producing establishments must have an easily accessible storage and

packaging center equipped with:

A storage store of 3m3 / tonnes at positive temperature and controlled

humidity suitable for storing potatoes;

A handling area of 0.5m2 / tonne well sheltered from the

rain and the sun's rays and well ventilated in order to preserve the quality

of the plants;

- A storage depot for packaging products such as bags and treatment

products;

- A packaging unit for carrying out the following operations:

sorting,

treatment of plants,

calibration,

77

bagging,

weighing

D. Structures producing cassava cuttings, sweet potato, banana suckers

and yam, cocoyam and taro seed must meet the following conditions:

In case of production of pre-basic and basic plant material:

- have a laboratory whose equipment allows the sampling of

meristems, the production of plants in vitro and the performance of

health tests;

- have insulating cages for the production of pre-basic plants;

- have a refrigerated storage capacity in relation to the production

volume in the event of production of pre-basic and basic equipment.

In case of production of certified plant material:

- stock up each year with basic equipment for the

production of certified cuttings, suckers and seeds;

have one or more accessible fields;

have operating equipment and production collection;

have a unit for collecting and sorting cuttings, suckers and seeds.

D. Establishments producing market garden plants must meet

the following conditions:

- Have a well-sheltered plot with an area of at least 500m for the

production of bare root plants;

- Have greenhouse shelters with a minimum area of 50 m for the

production of seedlings in plugs or pots and specialized equipment.

E. Establishments producing fruit and oil palm seedlings must

meet the following conditions:

- Have a disease-free woodlot for fruit plants or an oil palm seed field

for oil palm plants or a contract for the delivery of base;

- Have a nursery, easily accessible allowing the minimum production

of 5,000 plants annually with a quadrennial rotation, for the

production of fruit plants with bare root;

78

- Have shelters allowing the production of a minimum of 1000 fruit

plants or oil palm plants in bags or pots;

- Have the facilities and equipment necessary for the production,

maintenance, health protection and preparation of plants;

- Have adequate facilities for the conservation of seeds, grafts and

cuttings

Place of deposit

/ withdrawal

Direction of Regulation and Quality Control / MINADER And Regional

Delegations of MINADER

Reference text Law No. 2001/014 of 23 July 2001 relating to the seed activity and its

implementing texts

79

Activity 3: Manufacture, formulation and packaging of approved sanitary products

Required

authorization

Certificate of manufacture, formulation and packaging of approved

sanitary products

Prerequisite

1. To employ a technician or a technical sales agent of seeds and plants

at all times:

2. Have a storage room isolated from any store that may contain seeds

for other purposes or products that may alter the quality of the seeds;

3. Obtain from one or more foreign suppliers registered by the

competent authority of the exporting country;

4. Provide at the point of entry for each seed batch candidate for import,

in addition to the import authorization issued by the Ministry of

Commerce, the following documents:

- the phytosanitary certificate issued by the competent authority of the

exporting country,

- the Orange bulletin issued by the competent authority of Cameroon,

- the import permit issued by the competent authority of Cameroon,

- Imported seed treatment products must comply with Cameroon seed

and phytosanitary regulations.

Place of deposit

/ withdrawal Courrier central du Ministère chargé de l’Agriculture

80

Activity 4: Seed marketing

Required authorization Seed marketing certificate

Pre-requisite

Any establishment wishing to engage in the marketing of seeds

must meet the following conditions:

1. Employ a technician or a technical sales agent for seeds and

plants on a permanent basis;

2. Have an equipped and appropriate point of sale for the seed

trade;

3. Have a storage room isolated from any store that may

contain seeds intended for other purposes or products that

may alter the quality of the seeds;

4. Have a gauge for the conservation of bare root market

garden plants;

Any establishment wishing to engage in the retail marketing of

seeds must meet the following conditions

1. Employ a technician or technical sales agent for inputs on a

permanent basis;

2. Have an equipped and appropriate point of sale for the trade

of seeds, plants and other agricultural inputs only;

3. Have a storage room isolated from any store that may

contain seeds intended for other purposes or products that

may alter the quality of the seeds.

Place of deposit /

withdrawal

Secretariat of the National Pesticide Approval Commission in

triplicate against receipt, located next to the ETOUG EBE disabled

rehabilitation center

Reference text

Joint Order No. 380 / MINADER / MINCOMMERCE of August 7,

2006 setting specifications for the production, import and marketing

of seeds

81

i. Access by private seed companies to basic seed

Currently, basic seeds in Cameroon are produced by research institutes (IRAD, IITA), some seed

farms of MINADER, for some specific crops (Cocoa), SODECOTON or cotton, SEMRI and

UNVDA for rice. These basic seeds are made available to seed producers, seed producer groups

or cooperatives through direct purchases from these institutes or through donations from

MINADER or various projects (PAP-MVQ/MINADER, SAPEP, PIDMA…) or NGOs. For now,

no private seed company is buying basic seeds from research institutes.

VI. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

VI.1. Current status of access to improved seed among smallholder farmers

Cameroon’s agricultural sector is dominated by smallholder farmers. These households mainly

produce for subsistence and use little external input. The level of access to improved seed is very

low. Farmers usually use seeds retained from the harvest of last season’s crops. This situation is

probably due to the low purchasing power of farmers and the limited awareness of the importance

of using improved varieties. The non-awareness of the importance of using improved varieties can

be due to the absence of the extension activities service in their area as a results of the inefficacy

of the extension system.

Another reason for the use on unimproved varieties can be the lack of availability of improved

seeds in the rural area where most of these smallholder farmers are located.

However, some smallholder’s farmers use improved varieties, usually those who belong to

farmers’ groups such as cooperatives or who have received seeds from relatives, from NGOs,

Projects or through Government free distributions. More often, the seeds received are of improved

varieties developed or introduced by IRAD and IITA and produced by these institutes.

VI.2. Current status of government support for improving seed systems

The public sector has a definite contribution to promote seed development. Through the

Department of Quality Regulation and Control of Agricultural Inputs and Products of the Ministry

of Agriculture and Rural Development, the State ensures the regulation of seed and plant

quarantine as well as the selection of various seed species.

The promotion of agricultural activities must be supported by an efficient and dynamic seed sector.

In spite of the political will always expressed by government authorities through texts and

declarations to promote the development of the seed sector in order to support national food

82

security policies, this will is gradually manifesting itself through concrete actions in the field. The

seed sector is therefore developing and organizing gradually due to the attention given by the

government and some donors (FAO, EU) to this sector these days. However some major structural

and organizational constraints remain among which:

o The weak capacity of seed sector actors;

o The lack of a coherent extension and promotion program on the use of quality seeds;

o Low involvement of the private sector in the seed sector;

o Lack of an efficient and stable financing and credit system to develop and support the seed

sector;

o Lack of effective and accessible information system on the seed sector.

MINADER's Decision N° 01024 of April 18, 2019, identifies the following twelve sectors as

priorities: Cocoa, Coffee (Arabica and Robusta), Cotton, Maize, Rice, Sorghum/Millet, Cassava,

Potato, Plantain Banana, Oil Palm, Cashew and Pineapple.

The production objectives assigned to each of these commodity chains are mentioned in "The

Challenges of Agriculture 2020-2030".

In order to achieve these objectives, the government has several strategic documents, some of

which are currently being validated, namely

o The National Plan for the Development of Agricultural Seeds 2020 - 2025 (PNDSA)

o The National Development Strategy for Structural Transformation and Inclusive

Development 2020 - 2030 (NDS)

o The National Agricultural Investment Plan 2020 2030 (PNIA)

Other actions taken by the government to improve the seed sector are:

- Ongoing reform of the National Seed Fund to enable it to carry out efficiently its activities.

- Liberalisation of seed production and marketing (marketing of seeds by private economic

operators: seed multiplication farmers' groups, seed production cooperatives, seed

production and marketing multinationals).

- Support of seed producers and cooperatives; in this vein, with the aim of improving the

accessibility of quality seeds to farmers, the government of Cameroon through its Ministry

of Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER) has requested financial and technical

support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) through

a project entitled "Support for institutional and technical capacity building of the seed sub-

83

sector in Cameroon". This project aims at strengthening the capacities of public and private

actors of the seed sub-sector in the maize, rice and sorghum sectors. Thus, from 7 to 10

June 2020, a joint mission of FAO and MINADER teams supervised the distribution of

agricultural inputs to farmers' organisations in the East, West, Adamawa and Far North

regions.

- Regular meeting of CONSOV

- Publication of the national seed catalogue

- Validation of various RTO

- Validation of the National Seed Plan

- Capacity building of more seed inspectors

- Financially supporting IRAD for seed production.

VI.3. Trends and opportunities for seed systems improvement

The seed system of Cameroun is gradually undergoing some positive changes following

government actions toward the improvement of the seed sectors. The liberalization of seed

production and marketing involves the marketing of seeds by private economic operators (seed

multiplication farmers' groups, seed production cooperatives, seed production and marketing

multinationals).The seed law, followed by all the regulation documents enacted define the

framework for the intervention of each actor in the seed sector and encourages the emergence of

public-private partnerships.

Cameroon's strategic position in relation to other CEMAC countries in the field of seed production

presents a potential market. Awareness-raising by MINADER, projects and NGOs on the

importance of using quality seed increases producer interest and subsequently the use of seeds of

improved varieties. In Cameroon, several organizations are interested in the seed issue and bring

various supports to the actors of the seed sector.

It should be noted however that the lack of local source of improved vegetable seeds, while being

a handicap for producers, is also a market opportunity for seed producers.

VI.4. Recommendations for improving seed supply and adoption

Improving the seed system of Cameroon has many implications on both food security and

economic development. To achieve this goal, greater collaboration between partners involved in

the seed sector is required to increase the production of seed and its availability at the reach of

smallholder farmers at affordable prices. Collaboration will also facilitate the tracking of seed

84

movements in the country, while assuring seed quality. In addition, it is very important to support

the research development among institutions involved in agricultural production.

More specifically :

1. To support implementation of the national seed plan. This plan is almost validated and each

actor will have to act (Financially, technically...) at his own level for a good

implementation of this seed plan in order to produce quality seeds in quantity and quality.

2. To strengthen the infrastructural, human and financial capacities of IRAD. IRAD’s

research budget should be increased and personnel be given practical training on seed

production and seed systems development. Recently recruited researchers should be

trained as plant breeders or seed specialists, with an emphasis on vegetable breeding.

There is no current breeding program on vegetable and most seeds of vegetables used in

Cameroon imported, for this reason they are very expensive and not easily accessible to

farmers;

3. To strengthen the capacities of the Directorate in charge of seed certification (DRCQ). This

can be done by:

a. increasing the staff in the official services in charge of seed control and certification

The number of control and certification agents which is currently 58 for all the 10 regions and 20

at the directorate level should be increase to at least 100 for all the 10 regions in order to satisfy

the need in term of seed certification. These agents should not be based only at the regional levels

but also deployed to Divisions at least.

b. built the capacity of this staff by organising regular trainings;

The control and certification agents which are designated among MINADER staff (with at least

the level of agricultural technician for controllers and Engineer in agriculture/MSc for inspectors)

more often were not trained before in seed control and certification, as such training does not exist

anywhere in the academic curriculum in Cameroon. It is therefore necessary to regularly organise

capacity building workshops for them. This capacity building is also important with the regular

renewal of control and certification agents due to the retirement of old ones and regular release of

85

new crop varieties. This can be done through regular training workshops on both technical and

regulatory aspects.

c. equip the agents in charge of seed control and certification in terms of inspection

kits, and transportation means which will allow them to reach the seed production

plots wherever they are;

4. The National Seed Fund should be made more effective in supporting the seed sector. Seed

certification for instance is an activity subsidized by the state through the National Seed

Funds. However, this body have difficulties in supporting efficiently the minimum of three

controls required per seed production plot, thus the need of looking for additional funding

for this Body.

5. To improve the capacities of cooperatives in seed production techniques and

commercialization in order to allow them to produce quality seeds for farmers; For

instance, most seed producers have difficulties in processing their seeds, especially those

in rural areas, the creation of more seed processing centers in close proximity of seed

producers or reinforce the existing ones will allow seed producers with insufficient

equipment to process their seeds and improve the quality. Another alternative is to support

the small seed producers with small equipment. Manufacturers involved in production of

local equipment both for seed production, processing and packaging in the country should

thus be encouraged and promoted;

6. To facilitate access to agricultural credit by seed producers and cooperatives.

7. To encourage creation of private seed companies which operate close to farmers; this can

be done by creating a conducing environment to the private sector (government subsidies,

reduction of taxes, …). These seed companies could use some of the small seed producers

as out growers.

8. To support the regular update and the diffusion of national seed catalogue to inform the

producers on improved varieties available that are suitable to their environments and

meet their preferences; one way can be done be the online publication of the catalogue;

9. To encourage the establishment of consultative platforms IRAD/MINADER/OP/seed

companies by crop for a better sharing of information;

86

10. To strengthen the extension system for better supervision of producers and their

sensitization/encouragement to the use of seeds of improved varieties through appropriate

extension techniques. Since extension activities by NGOs and private actors are usually

temporary, it will be important to put in place a permanent and sustainable extension

systems. Thus, MINADER’S extension staff in decentralized services should improve its

local supervision in seed activities, for this they should be trained and equipped with

appropriate rolling stocks to easily access farmers who are mainly in rural areas.

11. To strengthen public-private partnerships in the seed sector by encouraging agreement

between research institute and seed companies/cooperatives for production of basic seeds.

This will would allow the research institute to focus on varieties development and pre-basic

seeds. Research institute should also be encouraged to transfer the licenses of varieties

developed to private seed companies in other to get royalties which will serve as return on

investment in their breeding programs.

12. To increase the consideration of specific references in seed science and technology in

agricultural education programmes. The Universities should think of setting up Master and

PhD programs in Plant Breeding and Seed Technology in their institutions. Almost all the

plant breeders in Cameroon were trained abroad. In the past, it was not possible to put in

place a graduate program in the field of plant breeding because of the lack of qualified

lecturers. With the increase observed in number of PhD in plant breeding in the country,

these plant breeders can serve as lecturers and student supervisors in graduate and post-

graduate programs in plant breeding if they are created.

13. To strengthen international collaborations in the seed sector.

14. To improve the monitoring of imported seeds. The DRCQ should follow up the production

of imported seeds in order to be sure that all seeds imported and made available to farmers

are really adapted to their environment.

15. Free distribution of seeds by the government and NGOs should be reduced in order to allow

private seed companies to flourish. This distribution should be limited to emergency

situations. In such situations, these seeds should be bought from private seed producers and

these producers should be paid on time in order not to paralyse their activities.

87

VI.5. Likely impact from the improvement of access to improved seed by smallholder

farmers

The use of good quality seed is a prerequisite for the satisfactory production of a good quality crop.

Increased access to improved seeds among smallholder farmers will have a huge impact, not only

at the household level, but also on the country’s economy.

In fact, by using improved seeds, farmers will increase their productivity. This increase will

improve their revenue and therefore their livelihood. At the national level, the use of improved

seeds will increase the national agricultural production of various crops, thus reducing

importations and currency losses. Moreover, with its strategic position in the CEMAC zone,

Cameroon could see its exports increase, and a positive effect on the trade balance.

88

REFERENCES

Access to Seeds Index (2018), Etude sur l’essor des coopératives productrices de semences en

Afrique de l’Ouest et en Afrique Centrale

Access to Seeds Index, dernière mise à jour Avril 2019

Document d’orientation stratégique de développement de la filière maïs au Cameroun

FAO (2009), Projet d’appui au renforcement des capacités pour le contrôle de la qualité et la

certification des semences

https://www.g-fras.org/en/world-wide-extension-study/africa/central-africa/cameroon.html 11-10-

2020

https:www.mediaterre.org/actu,201909271419266.html

INS (2018), Le Commerce extérieur en 2018

IRAM (2015), Etude en appui à l’élaboration de la politique semencière nationale du Cameroun :

Etat des lieux du secteur semencier

IRAM (2017). Cameroun Evaluation des risques agricoles Rapport Final, Avril 2017

MINADER Législation Semencière

MINADER (2015): Stratégie Nationale de Développement de la Filière Semences de Riz

(SNDSR)

MINADER (2017) Etat des lieux du secteur semencier Elaboration concertée de la politique

publique de conseil et de vulgarisation agricoles Volume 1 : Rapport du diagnostic du conseil et

de la vulgarisation agricoles au Cameroun, Avril 2017

MINADER (2018) : Document du projet d’appui à la production du Matériel Végétal de Qualité.

MINADER (2018) : Value chain development strategy for the cashew crop sector in Cameroon

2019-2023

MINADER (2020) : Les défis de l’agriculture 2020-2030 une décennie d’opportunités

MINADER /Plan National de Développement de la Semence Agricole (PNDSA), 2020-2024

MINADER(2006), Politique Semencière Nationale

MINADER/DRCQ (2020) LISTE NATIONALE DES DISTRIBUTEURS D’ENGRAIS, DE

PESTICIDES, D’APPAREILS DE TRAITEMENT PHYTOSANITAIRE ET DE

PRODUCTEURS SEMENCIERS

MINADER/DRCQ (2020), répertoire national des certificats d’exercice de l’activité semencière

MINADER/PIC/GCS (2019) : Plan Semencier National 2019-2023

89

MINADER/PIDMA (2018), Journal des producteurs-multiplicateurs et des disponibilités en

semences de maïs et les bouture de manioc pour la campagne agricole de 2018 en zone

méridionale du Cameroun

MINADER/PIDMA (2019), Journal des producteurs-multiplicateurs et des disponibilités en

semences de maïs et les bouture de manioc pour la campagne agricole de 2019 en zone

méridionale du Cameroun

MINADER/PIDMA (2020), Journal des producteurs-multiplicateurs et des disponibilités en

semences de maïs et de sorgho pour la campagne agricole de 2020 en zone septentrionale du

Cameroun

MINADER/PIDMA (2020), Journal des producteurs-multiplicateurs et des disponibilités en

semences de maïs et les bouture de manioc pour la campagne agricole de 2020 en zone

méridionale du Cameroun

MINCOMMERCE (2016), Tradestat, annuaire statistique sur le commerce

MINPMEESA (2008), Guide pratique des formalités administratives à l’intention des

entrepreneurs au Cameroun

MINPMEESA (2008), Guide pratique des formalités administratives à l’intention des

entrepreneurs au Cameroun

Plan National d’Investissement Agricole (PNIA), 2014 – 2020

Projet d’Appui au renforcement des capacités pour le contrôle de qualité et la certification des

semences au Cameroun, FAO, 2010

Stratégie de Développement du Secteur Rural / Plan National d’Investissement Agricole

SDSR/PNIA (2020-2030)

The World Vegetable Center (2013), Integrated Agricultural Systems for the Humidtropics, a

CGIAR Research Project, Baseline survey for setting up smallholders’ sustainable vegetable seed

supply and distribution system in humid tropics areas of Cameroon

UE (2018) : Evaluation du Fonds Semencier.

90

APPENDICES

Appendice 1: Cooperatives in the southern zone involved in maize seeds production using basic

seeds from IRAD during the 2019 campaign

Division Seed producer Varieties Quantity

(Tonne)

BAMBOUTOS

IC Forteresse GIC Forteresse CHC 201 12

CHC 203 12

GIC P-VEGEL SHABA 3

GIC SEED CAM CHC 201 19

ATCHINDA THERESE MATCHINDA

THERESE

CHC 201 1,5

CHC 203 1,5

GIC TATCHOUO CHC 201 2

BOYO Del&Fio; ATP 3

BUI

Hard labour CIG, CHC201

(KASSAI)

6

Farmer Aid CIG, CHC202 (ATP) 25

Lavngeh young farmers, CHC202 (ATP) 15

ultigreen investment CIG, Multigreen

investment CIG,

CHC202 (ATP) 25

CHC201

(KASSAI)

4

DJA ET LOBO ABA’A François CMS 8704 2,5

DJEREM Scoop des Producteurs de Maïs (SAOUDI)

CMS 8501 75

DONGA

MANTUNG FAMAH MFG, ATP 3

FAKO Liysumver Farmers CIG CMS 8704 13

CITIZEN Building CIG CMS 8704 5

91

Nset Echat EfogCIG CMS 8704 2

BODFARD CIG CMS 8704 15

Leo La Bwea CIG CHC 203 10

SEDEV CIG CHC 203 10

ITONGOWA CIG CMS 8704 5

UNITY FARMERS CIG CMS 8704 5

GREEN WORLD CONSULT CIG CMS 8704 10

FAITHFULL WOMEN CIG CHC 203 5

Let Love Lead CIG CMS 8704 10

HAUT-NKAM GIC NGA’CA CHC 201 2,5

KADEY OOP CA PROMA COOP CA PROMA

CMS 8704 23

CHC 201 1

ATP 20

KOUNG-KHI UGIC Fleur Shaba 75

LEKIE

GICOBIL CMS 8704 12

RCDO PRCDO CMS 8704 8

CHH 101 0,5

ASPHIC ONG CMS 8704 4,4

TABESS COOP CMS 8704 35

GIC CULTAO CMS8704 1, 2

GIC PRECONDECAM CHC201 0,88

COPALE COOP-CA CMS 8704 6,5

GIC AGROPASTORAL CMS 8704 3

LOM ET

DJEREM

COOP-CA/ Agri-Fomlo CMS 8704 20

COPAM COOPERATIVE CMS 8704 2

MBAM ET APRIMI GAPRIMI CHH101 1,4

92

INOUBOU CHH108 0,9

CHC203 1,4

IC EBA GIC EBA CMS 8704 0,8

CHH 101 1

MBAM ET KIM OCOOP RACE SOCOOP RACE, ATP 7

CMS 8704 10

MBERE Ets NAC SHABA 2,5

MEFOU ET

AFAMBA

GIC LA GRACE PVA5YN6

(biofort)

14

GIC PELAM, CMS 8704 12

SOCAPA CMS 8704 12

MENCHUM

Ntein Moses CHC 202 (ATP) 2

Nkemasong Gabriel, CHC 202 (ATP) 3

CAMSEED, CHC 202(ATP) 2

MENOUA

GIC AFA’ABON CHC 202(ATP) 1

IC FAM GIC FAM CHC 201 3

CHC 202(ATP) 2

MEZAM

ORDEP, CHC 202(ATP) 3

Aghani; CHC 202(ATP) 4

Intergrated MFG CHC 202(ATP) 1

Che Felix CHC 202(ATP) 3

Yamark Denis CHC 202(ATP) 3

ANAMED, CHC 202(ATP) 15

MIFI

GIC AFUDIB CHC 201 4

KOAGNE RICHARD CHC 201 4

KENFACK Nicolas, CHC 201 1

OTSO Blaise FOTSO Blaise CHC 201 4

CHH 101 7

93

FOPOU David CHC 201 2

KENFACK Nicolas CHC 202 1,5

FOTSO Blaise CHC 202 4

GIC AMEK-BA CHC 201 3

COCENOUN (MEKAMPTUE) CHC 201 3

MOMO ANDONGICHU CHC202 3

MOUNGO

COOPRO DYCCAS CMS 8704 12,5

IC JAEM GIC JAEM CMS 8704 4

CMS 8501 2

GIC LA FAMILLE CMS 8704 12,5

GIC GEC CMS 8704 3

GIC PROCAVIL CMS 8704 12,5

BOI-EXOTIC CMS 8704 5

GIC MAIN VERTE CMS 8704 6

ZOCK CMS 8704 8

Lobe manga CMS 8704 1

SOCOMASSA CMS 8704 1

GIC PROSEL CMS 8704 5

MVILA

GIC LIFAKSIOBE, CMS 8704 1,5

PROTRACOPA-COOP-CA CMS 8704 6,6

EKOULOU Gervais MEKOULOU

Gervais

CHC 201 2

CMS 8704 0,125

ATP 2

ABA Francois CMS 8704 2

NDE

MS SAR GMS SAR CHC 203 6

CHC 201 15

GIC AEDINO CHC 201 8

GIC LE LAPINIER CHC 201 1,5

94

TCHOUAYANG Claude CHC 203 3

YONGOUA CHC 201 5

COPSEMO CHH 101 6

IRAD Bangangté CHC 202 20

NGOKETUNJIA

rupuh Agro- industrialfarming group, CHC202 (ATP) 25

SHABA 1

Baba 1 maizefarmers union CHC202 (ATP) 20

KASSAI 2

Muslem Women 674333953 CHC202 6

KASSAI 6

MBASAH MFG 652495475 CHC202 (ATP) 6

KASSAI 6

Palace Green Rev, ATP 9

NOUN

GIC AVERTI CHC 201 4

AGRO ARIQUE CHH 101 2,5

IC AGROTAL GIC AGROTAL CHC 201 1,5

CMS 8704 0,8

GIC AGROTAL CHC 202 1

IRAD Foumbot CMS 8704 1,2

SEMVEG CHC 201 2

COPSEMO CHH 101 3

GIC AGROPO CHC 201 0,5

NKAM AFM CMS 8704 3

VINA

GIC des Femmes OKO’O de Parmo CMS 8704 0,1

MAYO Françoise Shaba 0,9

Union So’o-Nougg CMS 8704 2

Shaba 2

95

HAMADOU BINDOWO CMS 8704 2

Shaba 4

GIC Femmes Capital Economique Shaba 2

CMS 8704 2

LOUMNALA Gilbert CMS 8704 4

Scoop Simplifiée Producteurs de Maïs et

semences Shaba 7

VIPRODED Shaba 8

Scoop des Agriculteurs de 2nde Génération CMS 2019 12,5

Scoop des producteurs de maïs CMS 8704 45

CMS 8704 60

SOCOMANGA

CMS 2019 80

Shaba 150

CMS 8704 60

SOPROICAM CMS 8704 300

Source: PIDMA, Journal of seed producers 2020

96

Appendice 2: Cooperatives in the northern zone involved in maize seeds production using basic

seeds from IRAD during 2019 campaign

Division Seed producer Variéties Quantity (Tonne)

Mayo Sava

SCOOP PROTOK CMS 9015 15

CMS 9015 5,2

PROSEM CMS 9015 2

GASBROV LADE Emmanuel CMS 9015 2,5

Mayo Kani

GIC GASPEN CMS 9015 6

Scoop Sylvo-Agropastoral de

Mouda,

CMS 9015 3

GIC GASPEN CMS 8704 4,5

UG POUIGO CMS 9015 9,7

Scoops Sylvo -Agropastoral de

Mouda

CMS 9015 6,7

SCOOP Djoumokoum-Aye

CMS 9015 20

TZEE 8

CMS 8806 3

EVDT 0,5

Diamaré

GIC SOLDYBA

CMS 9015 2,8

SCOOP-CA AGRIMOK

ZIBI Medjewe

CMS 9015 31,5

Ets PALNANG Ruben CMS 9015 1,4

SCOOPS NGAKAMA des Agro-

éleveurs de Ziling

CMS 9015 4

SCOOPS-NGAKAMA des Agro- TZEE 3

éleveurs de Ziling, ABOLGO

Pierre,

BOUBA Zeri CMS 9015 5

97

GIC ADJAGUIN de

MOULOUM

LOWAN Alioum

CMS 9015 1,8

GIC Narral

Astarou Yaouba

CMS 9015 1,8

SCOOPS Aoudi

BOUBAKARY Haman

CMS 9015 25

SCOOPS MA SWA’A SHELIN

Daniel MAFEWA

CMS 9015 5,5

GIC Nga-Nga de GAZAWA

DAGUIDAM Esther

CMS 9015 4

GIC Assedjao

DJIBRILA

CMS 9015 2

GIC Agro-pastoral

NDIKWA Jonas

CMS 9015 1,5

Scoop Djoumokoum Aye

S/c ALIOUM Bello, Tél:

CMS 8704 0,9

SCOOPS DJINIVOU

NDJIDDA Yaya

CMS 9015 4

Mayo tsanaga

SCOOPS-HURFEDK

LADA Ndanara

CMS 9015 3,5

SCOOP-CA AGRIMOK

ZIBI Medjewe

CMS 9015 6

SCOOPS-HURFEDK

LADA Ndanara

CMS 9015 35

Mayo Louti HAROUNA TIZI EVDT 1,5

HAROUNA TIZI CMS 9015 1

Faro BEIDI Emmanuel

CMS 8501 10,5

CMS 9015 10

KOKAM Gilbert CMS 9015 20

98

CMS 8501 30

MANA Ruben CMS 8501 6

CMS 9501 2

Bénoué

FOUMNA Amadou CMS 9015 1

COOP DE PRODUCTION DE

SEMENCES CMS 8704

1,5

COOP DE PRODUCTION DE

SEMENCES

CMS 8501 18

GIC GASPEN CMS 9015 1

TZEE-W 1

PAKAH Samuel CMS 8501 3,5

MEDJIRON Albert CMS 8501 1,2

AOUDI SANGUERE CMS 8501 6

CMS 9015 2,5

GIC AGRENELAS CMS 8501 3,5

CMS 8704 2

GIC LOUMLE CMS 8704 4

DOURKA Jean CMS 9015 3

GIC VATMAS CMS 9015 3,9

CMS 8501 2

GIC SALAM CMS 8501 3,9

CMS 9015 1

DJEREM Scoop des Producteurs de Maïs

(SAOUDI)

CMS 8501 75

MBERE Ets NAC SHABA 2,5

VINA

GIC des Femmes OKO’O de

Parmo

CMS 8704 0,1

MAYO Françoise Shaba 0,9

Union So’o-Nougg CMS 8704 2

Shaba 2

99

HAMADOU BINDOWO

CMS 8704 2

Shaba 4

GIC Femmes Capital

Economique

Shaba 2

CMS 8704 2

LOUMNALA Gilbert CMS 8704 4

Scoop Simplifiée Producteurs de

Maïs et semences

Shaba 7

VIPRODED Shaba 8

Scoop des Agriculteurs de 2nde

Génération

CMS 2019 12,5

Scoop des producteurs de maïs CMS 8704 45

CMS 8704 60

SOCOMANGA CMS 2019 80

Shaba 150

CMS 8704 60

SOPROICAM CMS 8704 300

TOTAL 1183,8

Source: PIDMA, Journal of seed producers 2020

100

Appendice 3: Cooperatives involved in certified cassava cuttings production using basic cassava

cuttings from IRAD during the 2019 campaign in the southern zone (Central, South, East, Coastal

and West)

Division Seed producer Variéties Quantity

(cutting)

BAMBOUTOS PEYANI Rigobert 92/0326 60 000

92/0057 100 000

HAUTE

SANAGA SOCOFESAE

92/0326 100 000

TME 693 100 000

Biofortifié

(I070593) 100 000

96/1414 100 000

HAUT NYONG KELE KAYEM Mesmer 95/0109 100 000

GIC PROSACA 8034 400 000

LEKIE

COPALE 8034 100 000

CARITAS 96/1414 100 000

CULTAO TME419 150 000

SOCOFESAE

96/1414 100 000

95/0109 200 000

92/0326 100 000

DITRAMA TME693 100 000

SOCOAPACE

8034 100 000

96/0326 150 000

95/0109 150 000

8061 250 000

96/0326 150 000

ESSAM ENONG TME 419 200 000

101

LOM ET

DJEREM

95/0109 100 000

96/1414 100 000

MBAM ET KIM OPALE COPALE

95/019 150 000

TME 693 60 000

TME 419 30 000

95/0109 60 000

8034 350 000

MEFOU ET

AFAMBA

GIC PELAM 95/0109 100 000

GIC LA GRACE

8034 200 000

92/0326 350 000

95/0109 100 000

TME 419 100 000

MEFOU ET

AFAMBA GIC ENTRE-NOUS TME419

100 000

MEFOU ET

AKONO

GIC APAC 95/1414 100 000

TME419 100 000

GIC PROSEC TME419 100 000

AGROSEP-COOP 01/1797 100 000

92/0326 100 000

MOUNGO

GIC MAIN VERTE

92/0326 100 000

Local 100 000

96/14 14 100 000

ETS MADREN Local 200 000

Labomote 92/0326 200 000

Ferme semencière de Mbouroukou 92/0326 70 000

8034 30 000

102

TME/419 50 000

1070539 50 000

NKAM ETS MADREN

8034 350 000

local 100 000

SOCOPAACAM 8034 400 000

NYONG

EKELLE COOP-CA PROMA

95/0109 250 000

92/0326 200 000

96/1414 150 000

OCEAN

GIC GRACE DIVINE S/C EBALE Henriette

T 92/0326 300 000

GIC AGON FANG 92/0326 200 000

GIC COUP DE CŒUR S/C

MAPHOUNDOUR

Benjamin,

92/0326 300 000

ONANA BENDIE Sylvain, 92/0326 750 000

MESSI AMOUGOU Pierre 92/0326 750 000

SANAGA

MARITIME

GIC MAIN VERTE 92/0326 300 000

BIBOG BILLONG

8034 100 000

96/1414 100 000

92/0326 200 000

95/0109 200 000

local 200 000

KAMEGNI 92/0326 300 000

GIC PROSEL 92/0326 100 000

8034 100 000

Source: PIDMA, Journal of seed producers 2020

103

Appendice 4: Cooperatives involved in certified sorghum seed production using basic sorghum

seed from IRAD during the 2019 campaign in the northern zone

Division Seed producer Variéties Quantity (tonne)

Mayo Sava

La Maison du Paysan S 35 35,6

SCOOP PROTOK S 35 42,3

PROSEM CS 54 8

GIC KAOUTA BERDE Zouaye 3,75

Mayo Kani

UG POUIGO CS 54 3

UG POUIGO S 35 1

Scoop Sylvo-Agropastoral de Mouda, S 35 3,5

SCOOP Djoumokoum-Aye S 35 9

SCOOP Djoumokoum-Aye Zouaye 3

Mayo tsanaga SCOOPS-HURFEDK LADA Ndanara, Zouaye 10,2

SCOOP-CA AGRIMOK ZIBI Medjewe Zouaye 10,4

Diamaré

BOUBA Zeri Zouaye 2,4

BOUBA Zeri S 35 0,8

SCOOPS Aoudi Zouaye 12,8

SCOOPS MA SWA’A SHELIN Zouaye 1,6

SCOOPS MA SWA’A SHELIN S 35 5,5

GIC Assedjao Zouaye 1,9

GIC AGUI Zouaye 2,2

Scoop Djoumokoum Aye S/c ALIOUM Bello S 35 5

Mayo Louti HAROUNA TIZI S 35 4,5

Faro KOKAM Gilbert S 35 1,5

TOTAL 162,75

Source: PIDMA, Journal of seed producers 2020